Who was SA’s standout player in the fourth round of the Investec Champions Cup?
Lock Ruan Nortje and loose forward Jeandre Rudolph made a game-changing impact off the bench for the Vodacom Bulls against Pau in France on Friday night. Nortje won four lineouts and completed nine tackles in a 24-minute stint. With the clock in the red and Pau set to score a match-winning try, Rudolph earned a breakdown penalty to secure a 26-24 victory for the Bulls that proved to be enough to qualify for the round of 16. Rudolph was deservedly named Man of the Match.
AFRICA PICKS: Champions Cup Round of 16 – Stormers and Bulls knockout prospects
Sharks flanker Matt Ramao won the award in Durban after the Sharks’ 50-12 hammering of Clermont, making nine carries, 10 tackles and a turnover. Fullback Aphelele Fassi also impressed, scoring two tries while making 82 running metres from 10 carries.
STATE OF EURO CUPS: SA sides travel in last 16
In Cape Town, Stormers flank Paul de Villiers picked up yet another Man of the Match award, this time after a 39-26 victory against the Leicester Tigers. He made a game-high 16 tackles and won a turnover.
Photo: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
