The results are in and SARugbymag.co.za readers have snubbed fan-favourite Western Province loose forward Evan Roos in the poll for the Most Valuable Player of the 2021 Currie campaign.
While this season’s Currie Currie has been unique, played in front of empty stadiums, several players – rookies and veterans alike – have pushed through to showcase their outstanding form.
Johan Goosen has starred at flyhalf in his first season with the Bulls after joining from Montpellier, scoring 76 points, while Elrigh Louw has continued to show why he is among the highly rated young loose forwards in the country.
The Sharks have been astutely led by 22-year-old captain Phepsi Buthelezi, but have also seen wing Thaakir Abrahams shooting the lights out with some sensational performances in what is effectively his first full season with the senior team.
Also among the nominees for the MVP poll were Griquas duo Gideon van der Merwe (flank) and Eduan Keyter (wing), Western Province No 8 Evan Roos – who received plaudits for his barnstorming runs – Cheetahs captain Ruan Pienaar, Pumas hooker Simon Westraadt (the competition’s top try-scorer with eight), and Lions wing Rabz Maxwane.
Following the compilation of the list of candidates, SARugbymag.co.za readers were were asked to vote for the MVP (most valuable player) and they have emphatically picked Abrahams!
Almost 30% of respondents said the diminutive, fleet-footed Sharks wing was the most valuable player throughout the tournament.
Keyter, who plays for Griquas but is Sharks-bound, came in second with 18.27% of the votes. Roos who has been the shining light in an otherwise struggling WP side earned 17.81% votes and Maxwane 12.46%.
The other nominees all gained under 10 percent of votes: Goosen (9.71%), Louw (5.63%), Buthelezi (2.81%), Van der Merwe (1,67%), Pienaar (1,32%) and Westraadt (1,21%).
