United Rugby Championship Round 4: South African Team of the Week

Round 4 of the United Rugby Championship produced the full spectrum for South Africa's teams: a bonus-point away win for the Sharks in Cardiff, a hard-fought home victory for the Bulls over Ulster, a chaotic 14-try thriller that the Stormers eventually closed out against Scarlets, and a tough night for the Lions in Edinburgh.

Amid the contrasting outcomes, a handful of players produced performances that deserve recognition.

15 - Zekhethelo Siyaya (Sharks)

Was named Man of the Match in Cardiff after an outstanding performance from the full-back, who showed vision, was accurate with his kicking, and was involved in multiple tries - including creating and providing the assist for Thomas du Toit's score

14 - Sebastian de Klerk (Bulls)

Grabbed a crucial intercept to shift momentum at an important time in the match, provided a try assist, was excellent in the backfield and showed great pace in the victory over Ulster.

13 - Henco van Wyk (Lions)

Van Wyk put in a huge defensive shift on a tough day for the Lions, making 11 big hits and competing in the breakdowns out wide.

12 - Markus Muller (Stormers)

Showed incredible composure over the ball at the breakdown, winning a match-high three turnovers, while also adding five tackles and one important offload that led to a try.

11 - Seabelo Senatla (Stormers)

Continued his fine recent form by providing a constant threat out wide for the Stormers and scored a well-deserved try shortly before having to leave the field with an unfortunate injury.

10 - Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers)

Feinberg-Mngomezulu was good off the kicking tee with six try conversions and was the key playmaker through the game with his attacking involvement, which included a sensational behind-the-back pass for Haashim Pead's try.

9 - Haashim Pead (Stormers)

Voted Player of the Match in a blistering 14-try affair in which plenty of players stood out. His breakdown and scrum service was slick; he scored the Stormers' first try after linking up with Feinberg-Mngomezulu and remained a constant threat with the ball in hand.

8 - Marcell Coetzee (Bulls)

Scored a brace of tries in a strong captain's performance against his former club Ulster. Coetzee marshalled his forwards excellently, especially around a couple of devastating driving mauls.

7 - Matt Romao (Sharks)

An impressive all-action display from the side of the scrum, including two tries and some huge defensive hits. He was also a pest at the breakdown on both sides of the ball, setting up the Sharks well and disrupting the opposition.

6 - Paul de Villiers (Stormers)

Played the full 80 minutes and was outstanding throughout. De Villiers was the go-to ball carrier in taking the ball to the line around the rucks, made 11 tackles and won a key turnover.

5 - Connor Evans (Stormers)

Evans was a reliable lineout jumper all game and added value around the rucks with 39 metres gained, while also putting in a solid defensive shift with over 10 tackles.

4 - Jason Jenkins (Sharks)

An injury concern unfortunately cut his involvement short, but he was a standout performer before having to leave the field. Jenkins was physical and aggressive in the old-school enforcer role from lock and also scored a try.

3 - Francois Klopper (Bulls)

Dominated the scrum for the Bulls and won numerous penalties, which turned the set piece into a weapon for the Pretoria men to attack from.

2 - Johan Grobbelaar (Bulls)

Contributed to the dominant Bulls scrum but really shone around the rucks where he won two crucial turnovers. His lineout throws were accurate, and he scored an important late try to shift momentum in his side's favour.

1 - Ntuthuko Mchunu (Stormers)

Mchunu wasn't on the pitch for long, but he was mightily impressive in his short shift. Galvanised the Stormers' scrum and carried well around the rucks, breaking through the defence to score a crucial try.