All four Vodacom United Rugby Championship franchises from South Africa may have been without their Springboks this weekend, but they all had standout players that deserve some more scrutiny.
Vodacom Bulls: David Kriel
Kriel has been Mr Versatility for the Bulls over the last few seasons, slotting in as needed in the midfield, wing or fullback and his move into the 12 position against Zebre paid off as he had two try assists and a hat-trick of his own that propelled the Bulls to their eight-try victory over the Italian side.
Even his coach Jake White sang his praises, saying: “I played him (Kriel) at 12 last year when Harold (Vorster) was injured, and I know he can do a job there – he was outstanding (in this game). He’s versatile as he can play 12, 13, wing and fullback, and I’ve got to find a place for him because once we get Canan (Moodie), Kurt-Lee (Arendse) and Willie (le Roux) back, then those positions are settled.
“It’s wonderful to see him playing at 12 as it gives us so many options when all those Springboks come back.”
Emirates Lions: Marius Louw
In Treviso, where the Lions game against Benetton was reduced to an error-filled arm wrestle, it once again seemed to come down to one player on his own trying to hold the team together. Captain Marius Louw played a pure captain’s innings, looking good on attack, while stealing three turnovers at the breakdown - a battle that the Lions lost on the day while dominating the setpieces.
While there is a lot that would frustrate Lions fans about their own play, the form of their captain is not one of them, and Louw continues to lead with a lot of maturity and passion.
Cell C Sharks: Phepsi Buthelezi
It was a very frustrating night for the Sharks as they took the URC to England for the first time, and while they had more than enough chances to win the game, their own mistakes were what cost them in the end.
But despite that, and a scrum that never seemed to get the reward from a referee after dominance over the Ospreys pack, the tireless work of Phepsi Buthelezi stood out. Everywhere on the park, Buthelezi seemed to be putting in the hard yards and won two turnovers for his effort.
While others may have carried the ball more or looked better on attack, the Sharks needed a workhorse on the night, and Buthelezi was more than happy to oblige
DHL Stormers: Evan Roos
Roos had the most impactful opening season for the Stormers and then a combination of second season syndrome and injury curtailed his hopes ahead of the World Cup. But against Glasgow he was everywhere.
While a lot has been written about the red mist and the tackle that cost him and his team a yellow card, and while it continues to be a bit of a concern for his long-term prospects, one can’t fault his general play, his ability to take the ball forward and over the gain line.
His 24 carries on the night highlight just how involved he was and was it not for the yellow card, he would have easily been the star of the evening.