As the United Rugby Championship takes a breath before the international fixtures, we spotlight the standout performers from a pulsating round five. The Stormers and Munster lead the pack, both maintaining their unbeaten streaks, while the Sharks finally tasted victory, leaving the Scarlets and Dragons still hunting for wins. Here’s the ultimate lineup from this past weekend's action-packed fixtures.
At fullback, Quan Horn of the Lions dazzled once more, potentially earning himself a Springboks recall. Despite stiff competition from Willie Le Roux and others, Horn’s assist and consistent threat secures his spot. On the wings, Robert Baloucoune showcased his class with a hat-trick for Ulster, despite their defeat, and Ethan Hooker of the Sharks exploited the Scarlets’ weaknesses to full effect.
In the centers, Henco van Wyk and Alex Nankivell were instrumental for their teams. Van Wyk’s try and solid defense edged out tough competition, while Nankivell, reverting to center, delivered a man-of-the-match performance in Munster’s slim victory over Connacht.
Fly-half Jurie Matthee was the linchpin for the Stormers, accumulating 21 points in their win, while scrum-half Johan Mulder was pivotal in Cardiff’s triumph over Edinburgh, involving himself in all three tries.
The forward pack was no less competitive. Jack Dempsey and Matt Fagerson of Glasgow were monumental, with Fagerson’s turnovers and Dempsey’s all-around dynamism earning them places. Alex Soroka shined for Leinster, contributing two tries in their dominant win over Zebre.
In the tight five, Scott Cummings and Jean Kleyn stood out in the second row for their gritty performances. Mornay Smith dominated the scrum for the Bulls, making him the pick at tighthead, while Johan Grobbelaar edged out other hookers with a comprehensive display in the Bulls' set-piece mastery.
At loosehead, Ox Nche turned the tide for the Sharks with a standout scrummaging performance that helped dismantle the Scarlets.
"His performance was monumental, and his contribution was crucial in every facet of the game," said a coach about Nche’s impact.
With such a lineup, the URC is setting up an exciting season ahead as teams gear up for more intense clashes post-international break.
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As the United Rugby Championship takes a breath before the international fixtures, we spotlight the standout performers from a pulsating round five. The Stormers and Munster lead the pack, both maintaining their unbeaten streaks, while the Sharks finally tasted victory, leaving the Scarlets and Dragons still hunting for wins. Here’s the ultimate lineup from this past weekend's action-packed fixtures.
At fullback, Quan Horn of the Lions dazzled once more, potentially earning himself a Springboks recall. Despite stiff competition from Willie Le Roux and others, Horn’s assist and consistent threat secures his spot. On the wings, Robert Baloucoune showcased his class with a hat-trick for Ulster, despite their defeat, and Ethan Hooker of the Sharks exploited the Scarlets’ weaknesses to full effect.
In the centers, Henco van Wyk and Alex Nankivell were instrumental for their teams. Van Wyk’s try and solid defense edged out tough competition, while Nankivell, reverting to center, delivered a man-of-the-match performance in Munster’s slim victory over Connacht.
Fly-half Jurie Matthee was the linchpin for the Stormers, accumulating 21 points in their win, while scrum-half Johan Mulder was pivotal in Cardiff’s triumph over Edinburgh, involving himself in all three tries.
The forward pack was no less competitive. Jack Dempsey and Matt Fagerson of Glasgow were monumental, with Fagerson’s turnovers and Dempsey’s all-around dynamism earning them places. Alex Soroka shined for Leinster, contributing two tries in their dominant win over Zebre.
In the tight five, Scott Cummings and Jean Kleyn stood out in the second row for their gritty performances. Mornay Smith dominated the scrum for the Bulls, making him the pick at tighthead, while Johan Grobbelaar edged out other hookers with a comprehensive display in the Bulls' set-piece mastery.
At loosehead, Ox Nche turned the tide for the Sharks with a standout scrummaging performance that helped dismantle the Scarlets.
"His performance was monumental, and his contribution was crucial in every facet of the game," said a coach about Nche’s impact.
With such a lineup, the URC is setting up an exciting season ahead as teams gear up for more intense clashes post-international break.