S14: Team of the Week, Round Seven
Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:46
We are going on a storming crusade this week, as we name the 15 best players from Round Seven in the Super 14 competition.
And as you may have guessed, our Team of the Week is dominated by the Stormers and Crusaders - the two most impressive sides of the weekend.
The Stormers, following their impressive demolition job on the Western Force, have five players in our selection, with the Crusaders a close second on four.
The Bulls, with their most impressive performance of the year (and yes, they were robbed by the match officials, even the most ardent refereeing supporters agree) have three members in our squad.
The Chiefs, Blues and Sharks - with one each - make up the numbers.
There are more regulars, with four players back from last week - scrumhalf Brendon Leonard (Chiefs), lock Brad Thorn (Crusaders) for the fifth consecutive week, prop John Afoa (Blues) and fellow front row forward Ben Franks (Crusaders).
Team of the Week - Round Seven:
15 - Conrad Jantjes (Stormers):
He is fast regaining the form that saw him burst onto the scene back in 2001 and he is adding a different dimension to an ever-improving Stormers strikeforce.
14 - Tonderai Chavhanga (Stormers):
He first burst in the scene with blistering pace and little else. Now he is much more rounded player - on attack and defence.
13 - Casey Laulala (Crusaders):
Many credit the likes of Dan Carter and Stephen Brett with the Crusaders backline's impressive form, but even when those two weren't present on the field Laulala still looked world class.
12 - Jean de Villiers (Stormers):
If only he can stay injury free - the Stormers and Springboks need him in the sublime form he is currently displaying.
11 - Bryan Habana (Bulls):
Finally, at the weekend, we saw why he was named International Rugby Board (IRB) Player of the Year in 2007.
10 - Peter Grant (Stormers):
The arrival of Tony Brown has certainly brought the best out f him, although we suspect he may start making more appearances at inside centre.
9 - Brendon Leonard (Chiefs):
Another player that is finally beginning to show why he earned so many plaudits last year. It was worth the wait!
8 - Mose Tuiali'i (Crusaders):
Much of the Crusaders' drive and momentum comes from his powerful bursts and rock-solid defence.
7 - Wikus van Heerden (Bulls):
The one South African openside flank that has the right number (No.7) on his back. He is a true fetcher and it has nothing to do with the beer in Jake White's fridge.
6 - Schalk Burger (Stormers):
It is high time referees and touch judges start looking at the game and take of those tainted glasses with which they so unfairly label him as a foul player. There was nothing that warranted disciplinary action against him ... at least nothing that they did not allow other players to get away with. He is worth his weight in gold to any team.
5 - Danie Rossouw (Bulls):
He has played in so many positions, but now that he has settled as Bakkies Botha's second row partner he is beginning to show the form that made his such an asset for South Africa at the World Cup last year.
4 - Brad Thorn (Crusaders):
Without doubt the best lock in the Super 14.
3 - John Afoa (Blues):
Week after week he puts his marker down to be the All Blacks' tighthead prop. He is well clear in the race.
2 - Bismarck du Plessis (Sharks):
He is the presence and spark that lights up the Sharks pack.
1 - Ben Franks (Crusaders):
Yes, there may have been moments when he didn't look entirely comfortable, but overall he had a very solid and impressive game.
Individual selections for Week Seven:
Paul Dobson XV: 15 Conrad Jantjes, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Mose Tuiali'i, 7 Daniel Braid, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 John Afoa, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Phil Coetzer XV: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Tonderai Chavhanga, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Jean De Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Brendon Leonard , 8 Mose Tuiali'i, 7 Wikus van Heerden, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Johann Muller, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Ben Franks.
Steve Farrell XV: 15 Conrad Jantjies, 14 Tonderai Chavanga, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Wikus van Heerden, 5 Hoani MacDonald, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Brian Mujati, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Beast Mtawarira.
Jan de Koning XV: 15 Conrad Jantjes, 14 Tonderai Chavhanga, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Mose Tuiali'i, 7 Wikus van Heerden, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Danie Rossouw, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 John Afoa, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Ben Franks.
