Team of the Week: Round Three
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:37

There is again a lot of blue in our team this week - the light blue of the Bulls, the darker shade of the Blues and the Western Force's variant as well.

With the Bulls continuing on their rampaging unbeaten run, it was not a surprise that they would provide a healthy chunk of our team again.

However, the Blues' improved form and the Western Force's surprise win over the Brumbies ensure we have a nice spread.

The Bulls still top the list with four members of our team, followed by the Blues' three, along with two each by the Force and Reds. The Crusaders, Hurricanes, Brumbies and Lions make up the numbers.

Five players - Zane Kirchner (Bulls), Casey Laulala (Crusaders), Pierre Spies (Bulls), George Smith (Brumbies) and Bakkies Botha (Bulls) - are back from last week's selection.

rugby365.com Team of the Week - Round Three:

15 - Zane Kirchner (Bulls):
He is fast establishing himself as one of South Africa's premier fullbacks and a rock for the Bulls.

14 - Cameron Shepherd (Western Force):
He has been producing quality performances for years, but injuries have blighted his career. If he stays injury free, he will have strong claims for Wallaby selection.

13 - Casey Laulala (Crusaders):
Without doubt New Zealand's premier outside centre this year.

12 - Ma'a Nonu (Hurricanes):
When he is on song, Nonu is an fearsome sight and a very effective attacking weapon.

11 - Peter Hynes (Reds):
It may have been a lethargic and ordinary performance by the Cheetahs, but Hynes has been knocking on our selection door all season and this weekend he simply barged through.

10 - Matt Giteau (Western Force):
We said beforehand that much of the Force's success will depend on Giteau and the talented No.10 produced a sublime performance.

9 - Fourie du Preez (Bulls):
Those who questioned his credentials should watch a tape of Saturday's game and see how he dictates the terms - ensuring the Bulls' powerful pack stays on the front foot.

8 - Pierre Spies (Bulls):
The Spies versus Kankowski debate will continue to rage all season, but for now Spies seems to have the edge.

7 - George Smith (Brumbies):
Poacher par excellence, but it is his work rate that is most impressive.

6 - Justin Collins (Blues):
He may be 34, but the manner in which he dominated his more illustrious Stormers rivals made him look like a spring chicken.

5 - Hugh McMeniman (Reds):
Again, it may have been against the Cheetahs, but that shouldn't distract from what was a standout performance.

4 - Bakkies Botha (Bulls):
The Lions were so incensed by his physicality that they cited him for foul play. He does push the envelope at times, but you can't deny his influence on the game.

3 - John Afoa (Blues):
You need a rock in any tight five and he's that pillar for the Blues.

2 - Willie Wepener (Lions):
Certainly one of the most unlucky players not to have played for the Springboks. He is a bundle of energy and plenty of physicality to go with it.

1 - Tony Woodcock (Blues):
His experience showed up the Stormers in the set pieces and allowed the visitors to dominate a game many thought they would lose.