We select the standout players from the first round of this season’s Rugby Championship with Springboks and Pumas unsurprisingly dominating the composition.
Props: Ox Nche and Frans Malherbe (South Africa)
The Springbok front rankers caused Aussie counterparts Allan Alaalatoa and Isaac Aedo Kailea all kinds of pain in Brisbane. Neither of the latter duo had any answer to the brutal power and skill of the World Cup winners, with Nche winning three penalties off Alaalatoa. Malherbe also made seven tackles in his 55 minutes of game time – freakish for a tighthead.
Hooker: Gus Creevy (Argentina)
While the Pumas great may have started the match on the bench, his second-half impact was a big reason Argentina were able to close out their now famous win in Wellington. Aside from scoring the 69th-minute try that pushed his side into what turned out to be an unassailable lead, Creevy’s experience and influence provided his teammates with the presence they needed to keep their heads for that final 10 minutes.
Argentina's veteran crashes over 💥
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) August 10, 2024
The Pumas lead with less than ten minutes to play 👀
📺 Stream #TRC2024 live: https://t.co/0P0NNhnwKw pic.twitter.com/IXoKpAoUF6
Second row: Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa) and Sam Darry (New Zealand)
Du Toit bagged a try in what was a characteristically classy performance from the former World Rugby Player of the Year, but it was All Black debutant Sam Darry’s performance that really deserves attention. While the result may not have gone his team’s way, the 24-year-old’s try-scoring and lineout exploits may just have cemented his spot in Scott Robertson’s preferred XV going forward.
Back row: Pablo Matera, Marcos Kremer and Martin Gonzales (all Argentina)
Los Pumas’ loose forwards Kremer, Gonzales and captain Matera were simply immense at Sky Stadium, producing monster hits and carries galore. Seriously, if these guys can replicate their performance against the Boks, the double world champions will be in for a hell of a scrap.
Halfbacks: Gonzalo Bertranou (Argentina) and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (South Africa)
The energetic Bertranou made 62 passes and four tackles in an industrious showing that went a long way to helping his side over the line. Sacha didn’t have a perfect afternoon either from the kicking tee or in general play but had enough good moments to surely lock him down the No 10 jumper for at least another week.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is lethal on turnover ball. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/TY7K2Jas6a
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) August 11, 2024
Midfield: Santiago Chocobares (Argentina) and Jesse Kriel (South Africa)
Chocobares was a dog in Wellington, making 16 tackles, a try assist and 38 meters with ball in hand. His impact was enormous for the South Americans, with the Toulouse man set to play a big role in the next World Cup cycle. Kriel set up a try and was as solid as ever on both sides of the ball.
Simply brilliant. Jesse Kriel with a great cut back and assist for KLA but that wide ball from Willie is top too! 🤤 pic.twitter.com/UGLy8TVBnN
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) August 11, 2024
Back three: Kurt-Lee Arendse (South Africa), Mateo Carreras (Argentina) and Willie le Roux (South Africa)
Arendse scored twice and made 107 meters for the Boks, while Carreras’ first-half scorcher for Los Pumas was crucial in ensuring his team remained in touching distance of the All Blacks at halftime. Willie’s game management and vision was the cornerstone of the Boks’ win.
Round 1 Team of the Week:
1. Ox Nche (SA)
2. Gus Creevy (ARG)
3. Frans Malherbe (SA)
4. Pieter-Steph du Toit (SA)
5. Sam Darry (NZ)
6. Pablo Matera (ARG)
7. Marcos Kremer (ARG)
8. Juan Martin Gonzales (ARG)
9. Gonzalo Bertranou (ARG)
10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (SA)
11. Kurt-Lee Arendse (SA)
12. Santiago Chocobares (ARG)
13. Jesse Kriel (SA)
14. Mateo Carreras (ARG)
15. Willie le Roux (SA)
