Nine South African players who can swing the URC play-offs
OPINION: Sometimes, the result of a match is determined by an individual player or a clutch moment. Other times, a match is so one-sided that the winner can be safely wagered by halftime.
There are also times when it goes down the wire. And then there are all the other variations in between.
Regardless of how the United Rugby Championship quarterfinals go this weekend, we are sure to experience some of those situations.
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URC, Quarterfinals: Glasgow Warriors v Connacht – Teams and Prediction
URC, Quarterfinals – Saturday’s Teams and Predictions
Glasgow Warriors and Connacht will give us our first taste of the 2025/26 URC quarterfinals and kick off the last eight with a European affair at Scotstoun Stadium on Friday night, with the Bulls opening the South African group’s quarterfinal action against Munster at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, followed by the Stormers hosting Cardiff at Cape Town Stadium thereafter.
The Lions will conclude the weekend’s playoff action against Leinster at Aviva Stadium on Saturday night.
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We look at nine South African players whose individual efforts, composure, or moments of brilliance can have a big say in the quarterfinals.
1. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
This list simply can’t start with anybody else.
The Stormers flyhalf was the leading points-scorer at the conclusion of the regular season with 158 points, and only four players have scored more tries than Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who is tied with Embrose Papier on nine tries.
His attacking influence is also captured in the defenders-beaten column, where he comes in at No.3 with 54, while he has beaten 20 defenders (sixth) and covered 762 metres (sixth).
Earlier in the week, Stormers coach John Dobson said that they would have to win the kick-metres battle against Cardiff, and that’s where Feinberg-Mngomezulu comes in, again.
He has covered 3919 metres of ground in that department, with only the Dragons’ Angus O’Brien racking up bigger digits than him.
While it’s easy to go on and on about Springbok playmaker’s numbers, it doesn’t paint a vivid picture of just how influential and downright dangerous he has been this season. It almost dulls any description of him.
He can disrupt the opposition’s plans in big matches, and it’ll be exciting to see what he comes up with in the biggest moment of their season.
He is visual ecstasy.
2. Ntuthuko Mchunu
He has a massive work rate. He can break the line with ease. He has deceptive explosiveness off the mark for such a big man. He has pace. He runs hard and easily keeps the ball alive with delicate touches thanks to his skillset.
Looking at those traits, it’s easy to think a highly athletic loose forward or even a backline player was being described, and given the way he plays, size aside, you’d be forgiven for making that assumption when you see him play, too.
While he has become a trusted scrummager for the Stormers, Mchunu’s evolution from schoolboy loose forward to international prop has seen him hold onto those soft skills and running style that make him one of the most entertaining players in the URC.
Whether it’s a slick offload in the tackle or a thunderous run out wide or even just a solid contribution at scrum time, where action is, Mchunu lives and thrives.
3. Evan Roos
He is the top try-scorer in the competition with 12 tries in 15 appearances, and that says something about his mobility around the park, his support play, and his eye for an opportunity.
The No.8 has been a consistent performer for the Stormers, and while his handling errors have sometimes been an issue – with 25 turnovers and 17 penalties conceded, the fourth-most in the competition – the superb far outweighs the bad.
The advantage he gives the Stormers in terms of getting over the gainline, his physicality, and that engine that just doesn’t switch off are massive positives.
Errors aside, Roos is one of the most influential players in the Stormers squad, and when he gets it right, they just click.
4. Embrose Papier
There is a lot of talk around the Springboks’ scrumhalf options, and those discussions will no doubt intensify as the Test season draws nearer, and with the current injury situation among the Bok nines, the magnifying glass will rotate over the ready-and-available scrumhalves.
Not that Papier needs an injury-enforced gap; he has been gigantic for the Bulls this whole season, and while he had to break the Bok door down with his performances after being overlooked for the first alignment camp of the year, he was finally called up for the second one in Cape Town.
Papier has Munster’s number after a man-of-the-match performance against the Irish club in Round 13, which the Bulls won 34-31 at Loftus against a Munster side that just wouldn’t go down.
He’ll be a marked man come Saturday, but there’s enough reason to believe he’ll snipe his way out of it.
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5. Kurt-Lee Arendse
The Bulls certainly are blessed when it comes to the finishing ability they have in their backline, and Arendse is a good example of that try-line magnetism.
The 29-year-old is a treat when he weaves through opposition defences and puts his blistering pace on show for points, and he thrives in chaotic situations. But we all know we can’t make the mistake of thinking that’s all he does.
Lazy wing jokes certainly don’t apply to him…and he doesn’t need bright boots to remind us he’s there.
6. Handre Pollard
Pollard and big moments go together.
The Springbok No.10 has thrived in many a crucial game, pulling through with much-needed points via kicks at goal, and while the Bulls should take Munster at home, one can never be too sure. And that’s where the Bok veteran’s composure and boot come in.
He was flawless off the tee against Munster the last time they met, and that kind of accuracy is exactly what they need this week. It’s finals rugby, after all.
7. Chris Smith
He is second in the competition’s points-scored charts and right at the top with conversions connected, but Smith doesn’t need stats to back him up.
He has been a gold tactical compass for the Lions during their remarkable season, and when he sets up the tee, it’s almost an oddity when he misses his target.
His game management has also been key in steering the Lions, and his rock-solid relationship with the uprights will be key in building scoreboard pressure against Leinster.
8. Henco van Wyk
Van Wyk was an injury concern earlier in the week, but luckily for the Lions, he has recovered in time for their biggest URC assignment to date.
His ability to create something out of nothing is a well-known asset or threat, depending on which side you’re on, and against Leinster, it will be vital.
If the Lions’ attacking exploits are limited by the current titleholders, Van Wyk’s spark will be of utmost importance. So too will be capitalising on those opportunities created, and he sure knows how to do that with that footwork and vision.
Van Wyk has made the second-most clean breaks this season, and if he gets the slightest gap, Leinster’s rush defence could be made to pay.
9. Sibabalwa Mahashe
The electrifying loose forward was outstanding in the Lions’ 31-7 loss to Leinster three weeks ago.
He was easily the Lions’ best forward as he bossed the collisions, carried like a beast, and made the breakdown his home.
His overall physicality and aggressive tackling can halt Leinster’s attack, and if he can copy and paste his last performance against the men from Dublin, he will cause them all sorts of problems.
