Team of the Week – Super Rugby 2013 Round 6

Round 6 of the 2013 Super Rugby tournament saw some impressive performances from the big-name sides; but who were the standout players this weekend?

The Chiefs continued their strong campaign, while the Crusaders showed that their try-scoring ability is alive and well.

On top of that, the Cheetahs stunned all the critics by rounding off an unbeaten tour, and the Sharks and Stormers showed their strength against the Australian opposition.

Here are the top players who stood out in their respective positions:

1. Wyatt Crocket (Crusaders) – The Crusaders front rower had a strong game at scrum-time against the Kings, and really showed that he is a viable ball-carrying option.

2. James Hanson (Reds) – Hanson was great for the Reds and offered great ball into the lineout and somehow managed to meet the Bulls’ physicality.

3. Wiehahn Herbst (Sharks) – the Sharks prop had a great game and fitted in well alongside Kyle Cooper and Tendai Mtawarira.

4. Pieter-Steph du Toit (Sharks) – the young Sharks lock was exceptional every time he got the ball and bounced tacklers off with ease. A young player full of potential.

5. Andries Bekker (Stormers) – Bekker isn’t just the biggest player on the field, but also puts in the biggest effort. His work rate is astounding and 2 tries was just reward.

6. George Whitlock (Crusaders) – a hat-trick of tries was right reward for Whitelock’s unrelenting work-rate throughout the game. He managed to get over the gain-line with every touch of the ball.

7. Marcel Coetzee (Sharks) – the young flanker is growing every week and his defensive qualities are starting to shine alongside his ball-carrying skills. He was immense against the Rebels.

8. Kieran Reid (Crusaders) – Kieran Reid continues to set the bar for what a number 8 should do. Reid hit the line with pace every time and dominated every encounter against the Kings.

9. Will Genia (Reds) – the return of Will Genia has had a blatant impact as the Reds are getting quick ball and are probing gaps around the breakdowns. Genia continually sparked the Reds’ attack and was involved in a number of carries himself.

10. Rian Smit (Cheetahs) – Smit stepped up in place of Goosen and did a superb job with the boot and backline momentum. He provided good ball and showed that he belongs in the Super Rugby set-up.

11. Gerhard van den Heever (Stormers) – the young speedster had some big boots to fill in the absence of Habana, and he did so in style. His try was just an extra, as he caused defensive concerns everytime he got the ball.

12. Ryan Crotty (Crusaders) – following a great performance against the Bulls last week, the Crusaders star had another great performance – hitting the line strongly and giving his outside backs great ball and space.

13. Anthony Fainga’a (Reds) – Fainga’a had a great game against the Bulls and even showed up his opposite number, JJ Engelbrecht, as the in-form centre of the match.

14. Willie le Roux (Cheetahs) – Willie le Roux is so much more than a winger, as his playmaking skills are integral to the Cheetahs’ momentum. He was great when he got involved and his try showed great reaction and pace.

15. Louis Ludik (Sharks) – Ludik had a solid game at fullback and tore holes in the Rebels’ defence a number of times. Two tries was a fair reward for the 26-year old.