CC Team of Week 13

For those who like a ‘nice spread’ there are six teams represented in our weekly selection, but ultimately the top teams dominate the selection.

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The Blue Bulls, following their efficient demolition of Griquas, and the Free State Cheetahs, who were equally effective in disposing the Leopards, top our list with four each. They are followed by the Sharks (three) and Western Province (two), while Griquas and the Golden Lions (one each) make up the numbers.

These teams are also rewarded in our bubbling under selections – where the Lions (five) and Cheetahs (three) top the list. WP, the Bulls and Sharks (two each) are also represented, with the Leopards also getting a look in.

Some of our regulars are also back – centre Wynand Olivier (Blue Bulls), wing Lionel Mapoe (Free State Cheetahs), scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius (Griquas), No.8 Ashley Johnson (Free State Cheetahs) and lock Victor Matfield (Blue Bulls) featuring again.

Team of the Week Round 13:

15 – Stefan Terblanche (Sharks):
He may be on the wrong side of 30, and thus not an investment for the future, but he certainly wouldn’t be out of place on the Boks’ year-end tour. He can be a great mentor to younger players hoping to grab that vacant fullback spot.
Bubbling under: Joe Pietersen (Western Province)

14 – Lionel Mapoe (Cheetahs):
There is plenty of talk about Mapoe being a member of the Bok squad for the year-end tour and it would be fitting reward for some quality performances.
Bubbling under: Francois Hougaard (Blue Bulls)

13 – Corné Uys (Cheetahs):
There’s certainly not a lack of quality players in the No.13 jersey and to stand out in such a congested situation speaks volumes.
Bubbling under: Deon van Rensburg (Leopards)

12 – Wynand Olivier (Blue Bulls):
There is little doubt that he is one of the front-runners for the Bok No.12 jersey, now that Jean de Villiers is abroad. His international class shone through again at the weekend.
Bubbling under: Doppies la Grange (Golden Lions)

11 – Bryan Habana (Blue Bulls):
He may have suffered an injury in the process, but Habana was pure gold on his return from honeymoon.
Bubbling under: Johan Jackson (Golden Lions)

10 – Morné Steyn (Blue Bulls):
It is not surprising that he stands out at Currie Cup level, considering the quality of his performances on the international stage.
Bubbling under: Herkie Kruger (Golden Lions)

9 – Sarel Pretorius (Griquas):
He has been a star for the men from Kimberley all season and wouldn’t look out of place in a Springbok touring squad.
Bubbling under: Chris Jonck (Golden Lions)

8 – Ashley Johnson (Cheetahs):
Despite all the early promise he showed, he hovered in the lower leagues till he got some regular game time with the Cheetahs this year.
Bubbling under: Willem Alberts (Golden Lions)

7 – Pieter Louw (Western Province):
He is one of the most underrated players in a very good WP side.
Bubbling under: Dewald Potgieter (Blue Bulls)

6 – Cobus Grobbelaar (Golden Lions):
There is a growing band of critics who feel he should have received his Springbok call-up a long time ago. It’s a shame he hasn’t, as the quality of his game speak for itself. But then again, it is one of the positions where SA rugby has no shortage in world class players.
Bubbling under: Francois Louw (Western Province)

5 – Victor Matfield (Blue Bulls):
There are some very good reasons why he is rated as the best in the world in his position. At Currie Cup level those qualities are just so much more prominent.
Bubbling under: David de Villiers (Cheetahs)

4 – Steven Sykes (Sharks):
He is certainly adding the necessary physicality to a very impressive Sharks tight five. Sykes has make big strides this year and a call-up for the year-end Bok tour will not be a surprise.
Bubbling under: Nico Breedt (Cheetahs)

3 – WP Nel (Cheetahs):
Undoubtedly one of the finds of the season, and another player who could be wearing Green and Gold in November.
Bubbling under: Jannie du Plessis (Sharks)

2 – Tiaan Liebenberg (Western Province):
He is still the heart of a very impressive WP front row and now in the absence of Chris Jack also the pack’s ‘enforcer’.
Bubbling under: Bismarck du Plessis (Sharks)

1 – Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks):
There is something special about a player who just gets on with his job, without much fuss, and then still stands out.
Bubbling under: Wian du Preez (Cheetahs)