Bulls tops the team of the week chart as the Irish teams are defeated for the first time since 2015
Following another thrilling weekend of the United Rugby Championship (URC), we pick our Team of the Week.
It was a poor weekend for the Irish teams, with all four sides falling to defeats, a rare occurrence having last happened in 2015.
Meanwhile, South Africans were in fine form, all claiming victories as the Bulls defeated Glasgow Warriors, the Lions rampaged past Connacht, the Stormers hammered Benetton, and the Sharks scored 22 unanswered points to beat Ulster.
It was also a good weekend for the Welsh regions, with the Dragons being the only team that did not win in Round 16, falling to the Ospreys, while Zebre drew with Edinburgh.
It was rather fitting that youth shone on kids round in the URC, so without further ado, here’s our Team of the Week.
URC Team of the Week
15 Jacob Stockdale (Ulster): The Irishman had an outstanding game against the Sharks and was named Man of the Match despite falling to a defeat. The 29-year-old looks to be getting back to some of his best form again and did enough to beat the brilliant performance of Ospreys’ Jack Walsh in the win over the Dragons. It was a timely reminder from the outside back ahead of the July internationals.
14 Tom Rogers (Scarlets): A standout in the shock victory over Leinster, grabbing a try and defending superbly during his shift. He edges Ethan Hooker, he was one of the few Sharks players who put in a strong 80-minute performance. Bulls star Canan Moodie had a great game too, particularly on defence as Jake White’s men beat Glasgow.
13 Joe Roberts (Scarlets): The Welshman was crucial to Scarlets’ victory over Leinster, scoring a try and shut down several threatening attacks with excellent defensive reads. Lions outside centre Henco van Wyk enjoyed a fine return from injury against Connacht while Kyle Steyn impressed in the midfield, albeit in defeat.
