Scrolling through the statistics from Opta, we pick out the standout players from Round 5 of Super Rugby 2017.
Top tackler – Liaki Moli (Sunwolves)
The New Zealand-born Sunwolves lock was a ball of energy against the Stormers, highlighted by his support line for his try when combining with Sam Wykes. But Moli’s best work came in defence, topping the tackle count this week by one ahead of the Rebels’ Amanaki Mafi, as Moli finished with a total of 19.
Top carrier – Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
News on Tuesday that Foley’s concussion symptoms have flared up again will be equally concerning and disappointing for Waratahs supporters, after the fly-half made a triumphant return to action against the Rebels. Foley’s core fly-half duties were performed to a high standard as expected but he took the fight to the Rebels with the ball in hand, finishing with a week-high 23 carries.
Most metres – Raymond Rhule (Cheetahs)
Given plenty of space to roam by the Sharks, Rhule rarely needs a second invitiation. The Ghanaian-born winger showed plenty of speed in Bloemfontein and bagged the Cheetahs’ consolation score, topping the metres category last week with a highly impressive 156 metres on the stat sheet.
Most clean breaks – Shota Emi (Sunwolves), Seabelo Senatla (Stormers), Courtnall Skosan, Jaco Kriel (both Lions), Kobus van Wyk (Sharks)
Congested at the top this week, with Emi and Senatla highlighting how defence was often optional in Singapore, while Skosan and Kriel helped the Lions to carve up the Kings enough in the first half to be able to stick the car in neutral before rolling through the second 40 minutes. Van Wyk meanwhile has been an excellent signing for the Sharks who always threatened the Cheetahs. All made four clean breaks.
Top points scorer – Reece Hodge (Rebels)
Two tries and another ten points off the boot for Hodge this week, taking him to a grand total of 20, as the watched his Rebels side collapse dramatically in the second half to a home loss to the Waratahs when a victory looked very much in the bag at half-time ahead 20-0. A breakout Wallaby last year, Hodge looks every inch a Test player.
Top try scorer – Hodge, Matt Duffie (Blues), Derek Carpenter (Sunwolves), Michael Tambwe (Lions), Van Wyk, Jerónimo de la Fuente (Jaguares)
Six players tied on the two tries mark this week. Hodge has already been discussed, while Duffie has started the season very impressively for the Blues, looking much more at home in his second season since switching from Rugby League. Derek Carpenter was at the heart of everything the Sunwolves did well, while Michael Tambwe must think Super Rugby is a breeze after his two easy scores. De la Fuente finally is in great form, boshing off tacklers and working well with Matías Orlando.
Most defenders beaten – Samu Kerevi (Reds)
Credit to Lions’ flanker Kriel for a fine effort with nine, but the leader this week, as is often the case, is the remarkable Samu Kerevi with ten defenders beaten in the Reds’ defeat to the Jaguares. Kerevi has developed outstanding well over the last three years in Queensland, but right now it feels like the struggling team are holding him back. An enormous talent.
Top lineout performer – Andries Ferreira (Lions)
Strong efforts this week from the Sunwolves’ Willie Britz (five takes, two steals) and also Wilhelm van der Sluys of the Kings (eight takes), but Lions lock Ferreira sneaks into top spot with eight lineout catches and one steal. Perhaps the most unheralded figure in a Lions pack that commands plenty of respect for its back row and front row. The former Zebre and Toulon lock has started the season in fine form alongside Franco Mostert.
Most turnovers – Tom Franklin (Highlanders) and Seabelo Senatla (Stormers)
A tie this week between the Highlanders lock and Stormers wing, who finished with three turnovers each after their respective wins over the Brumbies and Sunwolves. Franklin played his part in a physical tussle in Canberra that the Highlanders had to win. Senatla meanwhile showed his Sevens skills over the breakdown and excelled in a frantic contest in Singapore.
Make sure to keep these players in mind when picking your XV ahead of the next round of our Super Rugby Fantasy game with SuperBru.
The post Super Rugby top performers: Round 5 appeared first on Planet Rugby.