With the United Rugby Championship now done and dusted, check out our Team of the Season. Unsurprisingly, it features mostly Springboks.
Props – Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe
Malherbe and Kitshoff were colossal once more for the Stormers, who came within a converted try of defending their championship title. The Springbok tighthead was as influential as ever at scrum time and on defence and looks set for another stellar international season. Kitsy leaves Cape Town as one of his franchise’s greatest ever players and will be an integral part of everything Ulster do going forward as long as he remains fit.
Honourable mentions – Thomas du Toit
The quintessential Mr Reliable, Tommy will be sorely missed at the Shark Tank next season as he makes the trip to The Rec to represent Bath.
Hooker – Bongi Mbonambi
Mbonambi was the best of the locally based SA hookers playing URC rugby this season during an underwhelming Sharks campaign. While the 32-year-old hardly shot the lights out, he did enough to earn a place in this team.
Honourable mentions – Joseph Dweba and Johan Grobbelaar
The pecking order of the Bok hookers should remain unchanged heading into the Rugby Championship, with Dweba holding on to third behind Malcolm Marx and Mbonambi while Grobbelaar remains a solid fourth-choice option.
Second rowers – Eben Etzebeth and Marvin Orie
Etzebeth may have been absent during the beginning of the Sharks’ campaign and injured at the tail end, but his endearing class elevates him above any other would-be contenders. Orie was a constant in the Stormers’ engine room and will be right on the fringes of the Boks’ World Cup squad.
Honourable mention – Ruben van Heerden
Formerly of the Sharks, van Heerden has improved markedly and was a key tool in the Stormers’ cracking campaign.
Loose forwards – Deon Fourie, Hacjivah Dayimani and Francke Horn
Our MVP this season, Fourie is an absolute dog. His tenacity and ruthlessness in virtually all areas of his play makes him an invaluable asset not just to John Dobson, but Jacques Nienaber too. Meanwhile, Dayimani’s explosive running and great handling makes him a good future Bok prospect. Horn had a brilliant start to the season and should be another player to watch out for in the future.
Honourable mentions – Marcell Coetzee
Indispensable for the Bulls, as proven in the drop in their results after his departure to Japan. Jacques, Rassie: what more does this man need to do?
⛈️ Stormers have their noses in front thanks to Deon Fourie! #STOvMUN pic.twitter.com/8SXQ8N1CI7
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) May 27, 2023
Scrumhalf – Grant Williams
Man does this dude have pace. Will definitely be in with a shot at the World Cup if one of Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach or Jaden Hendrikse breaks down with injury.
Honourable mentions – Paul de Wet
The understudy to the out-of-sorts Herschel Jantjies was fantastic for the Capetonians.
Flyhalf – Manie Libbok
Libbok was on the Manie for most of the season but particularly during its latter stages. His all-round performance in the semi-final win over Connacht was electric and he could be a bolter for World Cup selection.
Midfielders – Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Ruhan Nel
Neither of these players may be in Bok contention but RJvR and Nel both enjoyed stellar performances for their respective franchises.
Honourable mentions – Ben Tapuai and Damian Willemse
The Super Rugby and Gallagher Premiership champion’s best days may be behind him, but Tapuai delivered some important touches for the Sharks when it counted. Willemse is a beast in any position.
Wingers – Leolin Zas and Angelo Davids
More Stormers. This duo offer both pace and power and, after the unfortunate car crash-related injury suffered by Seabelo Senatla, should be a very important part of Dobson’s future plans.
Fullback – Damian Willemse
It’s obvious to pretty much all SA rugby fans that, by now, Willemse is on his way to greatness. His performances this season could spell the end for Willie le Roux’s extended stay in the Bok No 15 jersey for good.
