Standouts and slip-ups: Five player talking points from SA’s URC round

It was a mixed bag of results for South Africa’s four franchises as they failed to achieve a full set of victories in the United Rugby Championship (URC) for a third weekend in a row.

While the Bulls and Lions delivered convincing, runaway wins, the Stormers and Sharks failed to live up to expectations. There were a handful of standout performers for the Gauteng teams, but also some worrying signs for the coastal sides.

We take a look at three players who impressed and two who raised concerns after this weekend’s display.

Chris Smith | Lions

The flyhalf is arguably the most vital cog in the Lions’ push for a Top 8 spot, and he continues to drive the team with aplomb.

Apart from slotting seven of his eight conversion attempts, his varied game management is currently putting his side in all the right areas of the field. Smith delivered another masterclass at Ellis Park as he pulled the strings from deep.

It certainly helps when your pack is on the front foot, but his contributions will be critical against Connacht and in the final two away fixtures as the Lions look to secure a first-ever URC knockout berth, while keeping pressure on the top two.

Johan Grobbelaar | Bulls

With the deputy Malcolm Marx role in the Springbok hooker ranks up for grabs, Grobbelaar is producing the kind of performances at the Bulls that should firmly place him next in line this season.

He had a 100% success rate with his lineout throws, contributing to the clean possession the Bulls enjoyed against the Dragons. However, it’s his work rate that truly stands out.

Grobbelaar covered the ground with purpose, carrying strongly and making his presence felt in defence, while his impact at the breakdown adds to the turnover threat. He has certainly boosted his credentials.

Damian Willemse | Stormers

Although deployed out of position, the utility back continues to underline his value. He claimed almost every high ball he contested, tackled without hesitation, and even after picking up an injury in a heavy collision, he battled on.

That speaks volumes about the grit and determination of the Stormers star. He could easily have left the field to protect what looked like an injured arm, but he was determined to contribute — and he did. It’s just a pity things unraveled shortly after they had taken the lead.

Nevertheless, Willemse is making himself virtually undroppable by excelling across multiple roles.

Edwill van der Merwe | Sharks

He looks a shadow of the player who starred for the Sharks in his debut season since swapping the City of Gold for Durban’s golden coastline. That said, his struggles likely reflect the broader challenges of a difficult Sharks campaign.

Van der Merwe failed to make the desired impact against the Ospreys, and one wonders whether the constant backline reshuffles have disrupted his rhythm. The absence of a playmaker of Aphelele Fassi’s calibre is also keenly felt for a finisher of his quality.

The speedster will be eager to rediscover his try-scoring touch over the next three fixtures as he pushes for Springbok selection ahead of the international season.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu | Stormers

The prodigious flyhalf has been under significant external pressure in recent weeks, and his erratic performance in the defeat to Connacht did little to ease that scrutiny.

In fact, gesturing to the Connacht players to quieten down after scoring a try that extended his side’s lead was ill-judged. Moments later, the Irish outfit responded with two tries to turn the game and ultimately secure the win.

Emotions were understandably running high, but such gestures are best reserved for when the result is beyond doubt. The Connacht players clearly targeted him, but it may have been wiser to ignore the provocation.