Super Rugby top performers: Round 13

Editor

Scrolling through the statistics from Opta, we pick out the standout players from Round 13 of Super Rugby 2017.

Top tackler – Philip van der Walt (Sharks)A rare three-way tie for the top tackler spot after Round 13, and interesting all by South Africans, as Mohoje, Van der Walt and Steenkamp all finished on 16. Of the three, only Van der Walt ending up the winning side as the Sharks came out on top in Singapore. Mohoje and Steenkamp on the other hand very much racked up their defensive hits on the wrong end of the scoreline. But, Van der Walt was the only back-row to not miss any tacklers, unlike Mohoje and Steenkamp, so he gets the nod.

Top carrier – Harumichi Tatekawa (Sunwolves)

How about that for a level of effort in his first game of the season. Tatekawa was a big loss to injury in pre-season but the Japanese international returned to action emphatically in the defeat to the Sharks. Tatekawa finished with 19 carries as the inside centre did his best to get the Sunwolves over the advantage line.

Most metres made – Lwazi Mvovo (Sharks)

A second Shark on the list and Mvovo was excellent in Singapore, reverting to full-back and enjoying the empty space out in front of him. So much so that the Springbok finished his shift with 152 metres under his belt, and impressively did so from only eleven carries. Whether he stays at full-back moving forward remains to be seen.

Most clean breaks – Michael Hooper (Waratahs)

It does not feel like a stretch to label Hooper as the Waratahs’ best attacking threat. Even for an openside Hooper has incredible pace to go with his core strength, which we have seen time and again breaks defences down whether at Super Rugby or at Test level. The Wallaby finished with five clean breaks against the Rebels.

Most defenders beaten – Kenki Fukuoka (Sunwolves), Sibusiso Nkosi (Sharks), Makazole Mapimpi (Kings) and Hooper

The above quartet – three backs, one forward – couldn’t be separated either when it came to beating defenders in Round 13. Fukuoka has been quietly impressive for the Sunwolves, while Nkosi, still just 21, looks like a rising star. Makazole Mapimpi’s call-up to the South African ‘A’ side comes as no surprise, while Michael Hooper was at his free-running best once again. All beat seven defenders.

Top points-scorer – Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders) and Elton Jantjies (Lions)

The two fly-halves both finished with 16 points after their respective victories over the Chiefs and Bulls. Mo’unga has carried on from where he left off before his injury and understandably looks like a stronger player in his second full season of Super Rugby. Jantjies meanwhile is in pole position to start for the Springboks in June and his goalkicking form will be vital to win those Tests.

Top try-scorer – Vince Aso (Hurricanes) and Mvovo

Hat-tricks for each of these players as Aso made history by breaking the Hurricanes’ single-season try-scoring record held by Tana Umaga. What is frightening is that Aso still has a few weeks to go, meaning Joe Roff and Rico Gear’s record of 15 Super Rugby tries in a season is in sight. Now that would be special. Mvovo took his chances well in Singapore.

Top lineout performer – Reed Prinsep (Hurricanes)

A smart off-season pick-up for the defending champions who more than took his chance against the Cheetahs. Selected at blindside flanker, Prinsep finished with seven lineout takes, allowing big locks Sam Lousi and Vaea Fifita to do their work around the park carrying the ball. Control at the set-piece helped the ‘Canes click into gear in that second half.

Most turnovers – Kwagga Smith (Lions)

The Sevens crossover back-row has been excellent over the last few weeks for the Lions in the absence of Jaco Kriel. Smith was not only a try scorer against the Bulls but he also finished with five turnovers, pestering the visitors over the ball at the breakdown. He has certainly done enough to warrant being retained when Kriel returns.

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