We’ve selected an XV of players that stood out on a weekend that saw the British & Irish Lions win their Test series against the Wallabies and the 2025 Currie Cup get underway.
Front rankers: Morgan Naude (Lions), Dan Sheehan (B&I Lions) and RF Schoeman (Lions)
The Gauteng Lions’ props caused their Sharks counterparts all kinds of trouble at scrumtime in their Ellis Park Currie Cup encounter and laid the platform for a big win for the hosts. Sheehan was on hand to score the British & Irish Lions’ opener in Melbourne and his strong carries and defensive work played a big role in the come-from-behind victory.
Second row: Maro Itoje (B&I Lions) and Will Skelton (Australia)
Lions captain Itoje was named Player of the Match after producing a titanic display in the comeback win to cement his place among the greatest second rowers to ever have turned out for the iconic side. Just phenomenal.
Skelton had plenty of pressure riding on his rather sizable shoulders with so much hype surrounding his return to the Wallabies pack, but the 145kg goliath met the challenge head on and so nearly spearheaded what would have been a famous win.
Back row: Rob Valetini (Australia), Tom Curry (B&I Lions) and Jack Conan (B&I Lions)
Like Skelton, two-time reigning Aussie Player of the Year Valetini was massive for the Wallabies in Melbourne, despite playing just 40-minutes. Big hits galore and another all-important try for the red-hot Curry on the weekend. 24-tackles for Conan in a barnstorming display from the No 8 that went a long way for his side.
Halfbacks: Jake Gordon (Australia) and Danrich Visagie (Pumas)
Gordon was instrumental for the Wallabies in nearly getting over the line against the Lions, and grabbed his side’s second try following a beautiful show ‘n go snipe to put them 11-points in front at that stage. Meanwhile, Visagie scored 24-points, including a try, to help boost the Pumas past the Griquas in Mbombela.
Midfield: Joseph Suaalii and Len Ikitau (both Australia)
The Wallabies centre-pair were fantastic for Joe Schmidt’s side and should surely be backed as the long-term option in midfield, with Suaalii’s midfield bust setting up Tom Wright for his score and Ikitau also enjoying some big moments on both sides of the ball.
Back three: Rabz Maxwane (Lions), Max Jorgenson (Australia) and Hugo Keenan (B&I Lions)
Joburg Lions winger Maxwane scored twice against the Sharks and assisted another while racking up 79-carry metres.
Jorgenson’s quick feet led to a few eye-catching moments, while his aerial excellence in the third quarter nearly helped set up what looked to be a promising Aussie attack.
Somewhat disappointing in the first Test, Keenan bounced back to produce a much better performance on Saturday and even scored the series-clinching try after Australia had led for 79-minutes.
