Bothma and Naholo prove their class in Super Rugby

The weekend was peculiar! It was a classic Super rugby week as the sight of Cheslin Kolbe and Jesse Kriel respectively bull dozed, but not as hard as how hard the Bulls hit the Crusaders.

The Hurricanes march on as they made it six from six against Melbourne Rebels! The Chiefs managed to beat an ill discipline Cheetahs side that had star performances from their loosies. The Lions won their third match on tour as they beat a Quade Cooper inspired Reds. The Bulls and credit to them were brilliant. That is how you beat the Crusaders.

The scrumming prowess of the Crusaders was well subdued. The Sharks managed to get four points but will be very fortunate to get those. The Force had everything but the appropriate points to win a game! They were absolutely shocking! You know what they say; champions even get the result when they play trashy! The Highlanders were scintillating, as the Stormers wheels starting to fall off.

The Waratahs also played championship winning rugby! Played terribly but ground out a win against the winless but improving Blues! The losing teams played really well and could in most cases have found themselves unfortunate to lose! Who were the star performers of the week? My team of the week:

15. SP Marais (Sharks)
After a horrific first twenty five minutes SP managed to step his game up a bit. The Sharks looked terrible and he was one of the few shining beacons for the home side. A vital try in the early minutes of the second half got the Sharks going. He was also a pivotal player in the movement that produced the decisive and second try.
14. Waisake Naholo (Highlanders)
Two spectacular tries and a solid defensive show! The big winger did not just power his side to victory but also was at the centre of sparking a fierce debate. Is size important in rugby? This was after his bumping and running over of Cheslin Kolbe!
13. Malakai Fekitoa (Highlanders)
It’s not just his defensive play that we must laud but also his attacking touch! Fekitoa continues to impress and looks set to be a shoe-in for the New Zealand World Cup Squad. The centre is crucial to the brilliance of the Highlanders!
12. Burger Odendaal (Bulls)
Late inclusion, mammoth display, crazy hair-do and huge future. The former Bulls junior player managed to put on a show for the Loftus faithful! Burger set the platform for a great Bulls win. Many will probably remember him being part of the disastrous Bulls Currie Cup side! Jan Serfontein was not missed at all, but his return could see Burger thrust away! Burger-Jan combo anyone?
11. Nehe Milner-Skudder (Hurricanes)
Exciting, tricky and absolutely brilliant! The youngster was on as a 15, but was brilliant! The two try burst in the five minutes cameo made fans revel in yet another brilliant player produced by the Canes. Hoping the youngster manages to be nurtured and will not fade like Andre Taylor who started off magnificently!!
10. Handre Pollard (Bulls)
You will not have a one horse race. Pat Lambie may lead the race to the Bok jersey but boy oh boy is Pollard showing he has the goods! He shifted the ball well, kicked exceptionally well and can I say outplayed the fading though great Crusaders pivot- Daniel Carter!
9.  Aaron Smith (Highlanders)
He got a yellow and deservedly so too. Aaron is currently the dream scrumhalf in the world. Defensively sound, clever and he scored a cheeky try this weekend which could see several players make use of that trick. He was sharp on attack and was a brilliant partner to Lima Sopoaga! Rudy Paige deserves special mention for a great display for the Bulls!
8. Michael Leitch (Chiefs)
Talk about a quality number 8. I can already see Tanaka and this man linking up with the Japanese national team. A quality player, who produced a world-class show for the Chiefs. A try, and a try assist was vital at the different stages for the Chiefs! Warren Whiteley was also outstanding for the Lions in yet another performance from the skipper!
7. Renaldo Bothma (Sharks)
The Namibian was the best Sharks player on the field. Played the game as if it was his last as he managed to carry effectively, defend like a tank and managed to inspire a Sharks team that needed inspiration. He made up for lost minutes after, being replaced early for the Chiefs game! Hanru Liebenberg was absolutely immense in the Crusaders game. More game time must be offered with Arno Botha an injury-prone talent!
6. Heinrich Brussow (Cheetahs)
By miles the best Cheetah on the park. There is no player who played out of his skin than Brussow. He managed to bag a double of tries and made a powerful statement. I rate if he keeps playing like this, he will give Meyer no option but to call him up! Remains unbeaten against the All Blacks!!
5. Victor Matfield (Bulls)
A veteran. A master. Big Vic put on a show and managed to set the tone in the line outs and managed to be a vital leader for the Bulls. One of the silent warriors in the forward pack as the Bulls subdued a strong Crusaders side!
4. Will Skelton (Waratahs)
The man is humongous! He is slowly developing into an 80 minute player. Skelton was effective with ball in hand and defended superbly. A powerful asset for Australian rugby!
3. Trevor Nyakane (Bulls)
Two key turnovers, a powerful scrumming display had the former Cheetahs prop dancing! Trevor played extremely well and with the help of an eagle eye referee was keeping the Bulls ahead in all aspects! A performance to remember for the Springbok man.
2. Ash Dixon (Highlanders)
The Magpies man was solid for the Highlanders and was crucial to the momentum and quick ball produced by the forwards. A quality player going forward too. Adriaan Strauss was also a power player for the Bulls!
1. Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks)
The Beast was outstanding for the Sharks at scum time. While this may be a tricky area, be assured against the Crusaders the man is going to destroy. He is starting to look very good and has been quite solid in his defensive efforts. It’s a pity he has his ball carrying duties limited!

I quite enjoyed the flurry of tries scored this weekend! How good was the Naholo try, when he ran over Kolbe by brushing him aside? Nadolo also proved to be a powerful runner as he ran over Kriel, keeping his balance on the touchline! Have to go with the Bulls going wide and Houggard dotting in the corner!
Make your pick!