We select a starting XV of players that stood out from the rest during the 10th round of the United Rugby Championship on the weekend.
Front rankers: Ntuthuko Mchunu, Bongi Mbonambi and Trevor Nyakane (all Hollywoodbets Sharks)
The Hollywoodbets Sharks front row were all over their young Cardiff counterparts in the Welsh capital, delivering a statement showing after their side’s failure in Europe the week previously. Mchunu and Mbonambi also combined to score a great try in the second half as the latter grabbed a brace.
Second row: RG Snyman (Leinster) and Leonard Krumov (Zebre)
Snyman was a big figure again for Leinster, chucking as many as six offloads and carrying for 18 metres against the Stormers. Meanwhile, 27 carry metres, a clean break and 20 tackles for Krumov in a great all-round display at the Kingspan.
Back row: Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Alex Kendellen (Munster) and Bautista Stavile (Zebre)
The great Tipuric rolled back the years for Ospreys in a classy all-round showing that included a try assist, one clean break, an offload and 11-carry metres. Kendellen was a trojan against Dragons, scoring a try, making 64 metres in the carry and tackling nine times. Stavile racked up a try and a mammoth 18-tackles against Ulster.
Halfbacks: Gonzalo Garcia (Zebre) and Duncan Weir (Glasgow Warriors)
Garcia was Man of the Match in the shock win over Ulster, assisting two tries, carrying for 36 metres and putting in 10 tackles. 33-year-old Weir was key for the Warriors, making 14 tackles on defence and contributing seven points off the tee.
Midfield: Jordie Barrett (Leinster) and Jurenzo Julius (Hollywoodbets Sharks)
Barrett’s form shows no signs of letting up as he bagged another try for his new club to go with a try assist, three offloads and a clean break in another sparkling showing. Young Julius continues to pick up steam in the pro ranks with a try, turnover and 46-carry meres against Cardiff.
Back three: James Lowe (Leinster), Tom Bowen (Cardiff) and Giacomo da Re (Zebre)
Lowe will take a lot of momentum with him into the Six Nations after a performance against the Stormers that included two try assists, three clean breaks, a turnover and 96 metres with ball in hand.
As noted by the local commentary team, 19-year-old Bowen was a real jack-in-the-box for Cardiff, popping up everywhere and finishing with two tries, six tackles and a massive 105 metres in the carry. Da Re bagged a try, made one clean break and carried for 50-metres for Zebre.
