Super Rugby Round 4 – team of the week

Arguably one of the best rounds of Super Rugby so far, Round 4 provided some great match-ups that tested the mettle of every player who took the field.

The Hurricanes win over the Crusaders was a big statement for the men from Wellington, while the Reds taking on the Rebels proved to be an interesting affair.

The Brumbies destruction of the Waratahs showed that Jake White’s men are staking their claim as a contender for the trophy.

The Cheetahs win over the Highlanders, along with the great meetings between the Chiefs and Stormers, and the Kings and Sharks, proved to be entertaining encounters to say the least.

The Bulls and Blues rounded off the weekend’s action, with the Bulls securing their first win on their New Zealand tour.

Super Rugby Round 4 team of the week:

1.  Steven Kitshoff (Stormers) – the young prop showed that he could scrum down with some of the best, as the Chiefs offered an incredibly strong front row. Kitshoff continues to impress week in and week out.

2. Saia Faingaa (Reds) – Faingaa controlled the tight encounters and threw excellently into the lineouts, giving the Reds the platform that allowed them to control the second-half.

3. Jannie du Plessis (Sharks) – the doctor was once again on form, and out-scrummed the Kings pack. His defensive qualities were also hard at work against the eager-to-score opposition.

4. Craig Clarke (Chiefs) – Despite the loss, tt’s hard not to commend the Chiefs. Clarke led brilliantly and put in all the hard work to make sure his team stayed in contention with the Stormers.

5. Andries Bekker (Stormers) – Bekker was just sublime – from his jumping in the lineouts to his scintillating breaks, Bekker showed that he truly is world-class.

6. Peter Kimlin (Brumbies) – Kimlin showed that there’s no nerves about being overshadowed by Pocock (or even George Smith). The big flanker was powerful in defence and attack and made a nuisance of himself at almost every breakdown.

7. Pieter Labuschagne (Cheetahs) – Labuschagne had a great game against the Highlanders, constantly slipping tackles and showing that he can link up with the backs excellently.

8. Duane Vermeulen (Stormers) – meeting the physicality of the excellent Liam Messam is no easy task, but Vermeulen shone in the blue and white jersey, taking on the defence every time he got the ball and making some big hits himself.

9. Sarel Pretorius (Cheetahs)  – Nick Frisby from the Reds almost got our nod, but Sarel Pretorius was just brilliant for the Cheetahs. Quick work at the breakdown and good support running helped gift Pretorius two tries of his own.

10. Morne Steyn (Bulls) – Steyn has shown a great return to form and a few new tricks up his sleeve too. His attacking mind-set and quick-passing proved that the Bulls outside backs could do more than chase high kicks.

11.  Julian Savea (Hurricanes) – Savea continued his path of destruction and made the Crusaders cringe everytime he touched the ball. His powerful run down the left wing (and over Israel Dagg) topped off a great performance by the big winger.

12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies) – just edges out Wynand Oliveir, as Lealiifano was great every time he touched the ball and kicked excellently to keep grinding salt into the Waratahs’ wounds.

13. Anthony Fainga’a (Reds) – Fainga’a’s return was a strong one, as the centre put in some pivotal tackles and great runs to stamp his authority in the midfield.

14. Gio Aplon (Stormers) – Aplon went from being invisible in last week’s encounter with the Sharks to standing out among two teams who were playing fantastic rugby. The little winger hit the line hard every time he carried the ball and his two tries were a testament to his work off the wing.

15. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies) – Mogg seems to continue to improve every time he plays rugby. The fullback appears to break the line at will and should be raising some speculation about a potential Wallaby selection.

Who stood out to you over the weekend? Any player that you think deserves a mention?