Bok watch: SA depth on full display

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A closer look at how the Springbok players are performing in leagues around the world in the lead-up to the much-anticipated three-Test series against the British & Irish Lions.

Champions Cup final:

Cheslin Kolbe put in a good performance in Toulouse’s enthralling 22-17 win over a 14-man La Rochelle. Kolbe had almost crossed for a brilliant try but was denied by a desperate tackle. In fact, his free-running style was stifled by excellent defence from La Rochelle. Kolbe was joined in the Toulouse lineup by Rynhardt Elstadt, who had a solid 70-minute display which included 14 tackles.

Meanwhile on the opposite side, Dillyn Leyds and Raymond Rhule played for the other finalists and both were excellent despite limited opportunities. The duo’s work rate in defence was their best feature on the day as they made several try-saving tackles to keep their team in the contest until right at the end.

Challenge Cup final:

Jan Serfontein sent national selectors a timely reminder of the value he could still bring to the Bok squad with a masterful performance in Montpellier’s 18-17 win over the Leicester Tigers. His work rate was phenomenal and he executed a number of telling tackles, while also accounting for the assist in the buildup to Johan Goosen‘s try  through deft handling. On his part, Goosen’s touchdown proved to be the match-defining moment and earned him the official man-of-the-match award.

Springbok halfbacks Cobus Reinach and Handre Pollard came on as replacements in the second half for Montpellier. Though neither had enough time to really put their mark on the game, in the context of the upcoming Lions tour Bok coach Jacques Nienaber will be all too happy that they got game time in a high-pressure match, especially Pollard who is the Boks’ incumbent flyhalf.

Hanro Liebenberg and Bismarck du Plessis were the other standout South African performers for Montpellier, with Du Plessis showing why he should still be considered as one of the most feared front rowers. His all-round excellent display peaked at a crucial moment in the 65th minute when the game hung in the balance. He contested a breakdown and won a vital turnover for his team.

Jasper Wiese was one of Leicester’s best players on the day. Apart from a try, he was a physical menace throughout the contest. It was the sort of performance that strengthened his case for a Bok call-up.

Rainbow Cup SA:

Ox Nche had an excellent outing at loosehead prop for the Sharks against the Stormers. He more or less won his battle against Frans Malherbe and grabbed a try to boot.

Also impressive for the Sharks was Bok captain Siya Kolisi. He got through a tremendous amount of work and did extremely well to set Yaw Penxe away for a try.

Pieter-Steph du Toit, meanwhile, put in a man-of-the-match performance showing he had lost none of his pace with his second-half try and made it through another 80 minutes unscathed.

Lukhanyo Am wasn’t flashy but he had a solid outing in the midfield. Wing Sbu Nkosi was uncharacteristically quiet and ineffective and ditto for Stormers fullback Damian Willemse.

Duane Vermeulen was the pick of the Springboks involved in the Bulls’ clash with the Lions. His physicality was on a different level and he made a few telling tackles against an inspired Lions attack. It was one of his power carries that set up teammate Madosh Tambe’s try. On the other hand, Vermeulen will want to forget that Maxwane had stepped around him before his touchdown. Overall, the Bok No 8 should be satisfied with another exemplary performance.

For all their influence off the bench last week, Bok props Trevor Nyakane and Lizo Gqoboka struggled in the scrum against Lions duo Sti Sithole and Carlu Sadie.

The Leicester Tigers-bound Marco van Staden had a quiet day out for the Bulls as the Lions easily neutralised the threat he poses on the ground.

Photo: Getty Images 

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