We select a starting XV of players that excelled in the 17th and penultimate round of URC action for the 2024/25 season.
Front rankers: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Johann Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw (all Bulls)
Another big showing from arguably the competition’s best-performing front row. Grobbelaar hit nine out of his 10 lineout throws while Wessels and a try-scoring Louw were again massive for the Pretoria side against Cardiff and will be at the forefront of their knockout charge.
Second rowers: Salmaan Moerat (Stormers) and Jason Jenkins (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
Moerat made 12 tackles, 17-carry metres and won a turnover in an impressive display in the engine room. Jenkins earns another selection on this list after scoring a try and being an ever-present threat with ball in hand for the Sharks in an important win over the Ospreys. The former Leinsterman also chipped in with 35-carry metres and four carries across the gainline.
Back rowers: Peter O’Mahony (Munster), Marcel Theunissen (Stormers) and Jack Conan (Leinster)
Playing in what could be his penultimate game at Thomond Park, O’Mahony rolled back the years in a gigantic performance for Munster which included a try, 12-tackles, a clean break and tonnes of true grit. Theunissen’s stock continues to rise in Cape Town, and he produced a number of crucial moments for the Stormers, finishing with 39-carry metres, five tackles, a clean break and one try assist. The new favourite to start at No 9 for the British and Irish Lions, Conan carried for a ridiculous 138-metres, thanks largely to three clean breaks, while also making nine tackles.
Halfbacks: Zak Burger (Bulls) and Jacob Umaga (Benetton)
Burger kicked effectively and showed supreme swiftness off the base in the Bulls’ big win at Loftus. Nephew of the great Tana, Jacob Umaga scored 13-points against Glasgow courtesy of a try and four successful conversions, while he also assisted another try and made 12-tackles.
Midfield: Jordie Barrett (Leinster) and Wandisile Simelane (Stormers)
A week after being controversially named on the Leinster bench in their eventual Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton Saints, the exceptional Barrett produced a MOTM display against Zebre. Two tries, two try assists, 65-carry metres, 14-tackles and three turnovers won for the All Black veteran. Similane also scored twice in a performance that also included 92-metres in the carry.
Back three: Ethan Hooker (Hollywoodbets Sharks) Canan Moodie (Bulls) and Blair Murray (Scarlets)
The ever-consistent Hooker scored a try, carried for 35-metres and won a turnover for the Sharks. Moodie also dotted and made 76 metres on attack to go with two try assists. Tough on Willie le Roux, but Murray scored a brace, carried for 55 metres and made three clean breaks in a proper MOTM performance in Joburg.
