URC Stats: The Gelant show
STAT ATTACK: The Stormers finally registered their first United Rugby Championship win after four rounds.
The Capetonians secured a 24-10 win over the Dragons at Rodney Park this past weekend.
The Stormers’ win was the only victory for the four South African sides in Round Four.
Ulster maintained their perfect start to the season against the Lions. as the Irish teams continue to lead the way.
Munster and Leinster are just a point behind after beating Connacht and the Scarlets respectively – with all three provinces preserving their winning starts.
The Ospreys survived a stunning Benetton fightback in Treviso. but Zebre is now the only team still waiting for a win – after losing to Glasgow Warriors.
There were also home triumphs for Edinburgh and Cardiff over the Bulls and Sharks.
The top performers in Round Four:
Warrick Gelant (Stormers)
Gelant was everywhere for the Stormers and though they took a while to break clear in Newport, it was not for want of trying, with the fullback a livewire in attack.
Gelant beat more defenders (5) than anybody else on the pitch and was also the stats leader for offloads (4).
Nick Timoney (Ulster)
Timoney has been one of Ulster’s most consistent performers this season and against the Lions he again put down a marker and also scored two tries.
His haul takes him to five touchdowns for the season so far and must be pushing him towards inclusion in Ireland coach Andy Farrell’s plans for the autumn.
Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors)
Sione Tuipulotu was a key man for Glasgow against Zebre Parma, making more successful carries (5) and beating more defenders (6) than any of his teammates, as well as scoring his first try for the club.
However, it was captain Wilson who took home the individual honour for his tireless work in the Warriors pack.
Giovanni Pettinelli (Benetton)
Rhys Webb will have been a strong contender for the prize for his role in swinging the match in the Ospreys’ favour, scoring two tries and setting up another.
But the award eventually went to Benetton flanker Pettinelli, who impressed for the hosts on his 50th appearance for the club.
Ciaran Frawley (Leinster)
It was certainly a night for the forwards at the RDS but Leinster centre Frawley stood out for his distribution in heavy midfield traffic against the Scarlets.
The Skerries man showed some nice touches with ball in hand, often stepping in as first receiver. Also landed a well-struck conversion.
Viliame Mata (Edinburgh)
Bismarck du Plessis was into everything for the Bulls, earning some vital turnovers in the first half.
But the prize went to Edinburgh number eight Mata, who helped his side to victory with an accomplished all-around display.
Rhys Priestland (Cardiff)
Veteran flyhalf Priestland showed all his game-management skills to keep his side’s noses in front.
His goal-kicking proved decisive as the Sharks missed kicking opportunities and he surely will be involved in the Wales line-up for their New Zealand clash in a fortnight.
Jack Carty (Connacht)
Chris Cloete was a real livewire for Munster either side of half-time, being a terror at the breakdown and almost picking up two tries.
But Carty got the nod for his influence from half-back, distributing sweetly and outshining Joey Carbery in their number 10 duel.
