South African Team of the Week: Champions Cup & Challenge Cup Round 1

The Bulls and Stormers claimed maximum-point home victories in the Champions Cup, while the Sharks staged a dramatic late win in the Challenge Cup.

The Lions and Cheetahs showed real fight but suffered narrow defeats on French soil in the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup respectively.

South African Team of the Week

15 Zekhethelo Siyaya (Sharks)

Was named Player of the Match in the 40-33 thriller against Lyon. Siyaya produced the decisive offload for the injury-time winning try and scored one himself early in the match. He was the catalyst for the young Sharks side's composure and attacking threat throughout a high-scoring encounter.

14 Cheswill Jooste (Bulls)

Jooste produced the standout individual display of the Champions Cup round. He scored a hat-trick, was incredible with the ball in hand, running for over 200 metres, including six clean breaks, and was a relentless threat for the Bulls.

13 Jonathan Roche (Stormers)

Scored a brace of tries and showed intelligent midfield play to keep the Stormers ticking in the 49-12 win over Bristol. Linked effectively with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Damian Willemse, finished clinically and helped maintain attacking shape even while the side were reduced to 14 men.

12 Henco van Wyk (Lions)

Van Wyk's powerful early try and physical carrying set the tone for the Lions' gutsy performance in La Rochelle. He represented the side's character on an emotionally charged afternoon following the death of teammate Hyron Andrews.

11 Seabelo Senatla (Stormers)

Senatla scored the opening try, produced a sublime step-and-offload for Leolin Zas's first score, and brought constant pace, footwork, and work rate that stretched Bristol throughout, earning him the Man of the Match award.

10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers)

Perfect off the kicking tee with seven conversions, including a couple of difficult efforts from near the touchline and was the creative hub of the Stormers' attack. Combined superbly with Willemse and Roche to control the game.

9 Cobus Reinach (Stormers)

Provided sharp service, controlled the tempo superbly when the Stormers had possession, and used his experience to keep the side organised and clinical when they were at a numerical disadvantage.

8 Nick Hatton (Sharks)

Hatton delivered a strong captain's performance, including a try in the dramatic win over Lyon. Led the youthful, reshuffled pack with authority and physicality in a high-intensity away fixture.

7 Marco van Staden (Bulls)

Scored a try and provided a relentless breakdown presence in a dominant Bulls pack that repeatedly won the collisions and created a platform for the backs.

6 Manu Tshituka (Sharks)

Scored an impressive, powerful try and showed high work rate in the loose. Contributed significantly to the Sharks' forward effort and helped tire out the Lyon pack to set up the late fight that secured the win.

5 JD Schickerling (Stormers)

Schickerling emptied his tank in a physically demanding match and was a reliable lineout option, allowing the Stormers to control large periods of the game.

4 Cobus Wiese (Bulls)

Scored an early try to set the tone for the Bulls, carried effectively around the rucks, and was strong in the lineouts. Contributed significantly to a front-five unit that imposed itself on Stade Francais.

3 Khutha Mchunu (Bulls)

Mchunu was strong in the scrums, winning a couple of big penalties, and delivering a high work-rate performance in a front row that played deep into the second half and underpinned the eight-try performance.

2 Louis van der Westhuizen (Cheetahs)

Scored a key try from close range that put the Cheetahs ahead in the second half, and put in a solid shift in the front row, while also being accurate with his lineout throws.

1 Alu Tshakweni (Bulls)

Part of the hard-working front row with Mchunu and Jan-Hendrik Wessells that earned special praise from coach Johan Ackermann. He provided the scrum and carry foundation for the dominant win.