Western Province beat the Sharks 34-27 in an entertaining match at Newlands on Saturday. We select the 10 best players from the game.
Western Province:
Robert du Preez: His masterful performance that saw him create three tries with clever kicks, was desperately needed by WP. He missed two conversions, but his grubber and kicks over the top were first class. We also saw an improved tactical game and some very good passing. Now he should just make sure that he carries that production into WP’s game against the Golden Lions.
EW Viljoen: Losing Huw Jones before kickoff was a nasty blow for the home side, but this man did not disappoint at all. He ran in two tries and the way he gathered Du Preez’s cross kick an inch from the try line to score his first try of the match was tops. And his second try was nothing short of brilliant either. Good game overall.
Werner Kok: My word, if this is what the injection of a bit of Sevens flair does, I can’t wait for Seabelo Senatla to join the team. Kok was superb. He made great tackles, the best one probably being when he chased after Sharks replacement back Rhyno Smith and took him down in front of an open try line (he wasn’t even on the wing, by he way. He was at a ruck). And I don’t think I need to go into details about his strength and power...
Johnny Kotze: Had a good game. He ran an amazing line after receiving a pass from Du Preez and crossed over for the first try of the match. He had a few nice touches and also looked dangerous with ball in hand.
Jano Vermaak: His service to Du Preez was good and he also tried to get involved wherever he could. He made his tackles, got to the breakdowns quickly most of the time and showed a few nice runs. His passing was also decent.
Sharks:
Curwin Bosch: His goal-kicking ability can put players 10 years his senior to shame. And that’s not even where it ends for this Junior Bok star. He was great on attack and delivered a number of fine runs, passes and steps. There’s no telling what a bit more experience at senior level will do for this kid. Watch this space.
Rhyno Smith: He came off the bench and immediately made an impact. His sidestep is mean and his pace and skill made him a menace for WP. The last try he scored for the Sharks, where he found space on the outside and finished off in style was great. He also had the crowd on the edge of their seats when he got the ball in his own half and sniped through, making his way to the WP 22 before he was brought down.
Inny-Christian Radebe: Crisp passing, quick hands and deceiving feet. WP experienced all of that from Radebe on Saturday. He took the ball up to the line well and greatly impacted the Sharks’ attack.
Lukhanyo Am: Another Sharks man who made his presence felt. He has been huge for the Durbanites this season and this past weekend was no different. Nice running, quick, accurate passing and he looked to create something whenever he got the ball.
Jean-Luc du Preez: He made massive carries and broke through tackles. He did his part at the breakdowns and he even scored a try after the Sharks took the ball swiftly through the hands and found him on the outside. His yellow card for a dangerous tackle was one of the few negatives from him.
Cape Times