Whether they represent the Springboks or not, South African players have shot the lights out with their consistency and work rate in the Vodacom URC, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane applauds a quartet of unsung heroes from the Republic who have excelled in the competition this season, notably DHL Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden.
Van Heerden has impressed Keohane with his commitment, ranking high in offloads, lineout steals, and tackles. Despite uncertain national prospects, he argues that the 26-year-old skyscraper’s influence at the Stormers is undeniable.
Keohane also hails the impact of Vodacom Bulls loose forward Elrigh Louw, Lions talisman Marius Louw and Sharks flyer Werner Kok for their respective contributions.
Additionally, he reckons that Bulls hooker Akker van der Merwe, Stormers fullback Warrick Gelant, and Sharks No 15 Aphelele Fassi have been standout players. The Lions’ Quan Horn and Francke Horn earn praise too, as do overseas-based Duhan van der Merwe and Rhyno Smith.
KEO: Stormers’ Roos investment paying off
“When looking at this season’s URC league performers, Ruben van Heerden is a standout for me – and that has nothing to do with his height. It is his desire to be on the field. He is a soldier and consistently on the frontline,” Keohane writes.
“Is he a Springbok lock? I don’t know, but he is most definitely one of the best signings John Dobson has made at the Stormers and he is significantly influential.
“Van Heerden, Elrigh Louw for the Bulls, Lions captain and centre Marius Louw and Sharks winger Werner Kok are four of the unsung heroes in the URC this season.
“This quartet grafts and have been invaluable assets.”
Photo: Cole Cruickshank/Gallo Images
The post SA’s unsung URC heroes invaluable assets appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
