SuperSport Rugby Challenge semifinals – eight key players

As people who manage 22 souls in a game, coaches hate singling out players. But when competitions get to the semifinal stages, like the SuperSport Rugby Challenge will in KaNyamazane, Nelspruit, on Sunday, there are always players who are critical to bending the games to their coaches’ will. Here are two from each of the semifinalists.

TAFEL LAGER GRIQUAS

Khwezi Mona (Prop, 26)

A Pumas player this time last year, Mona has carried his form from Nelspruit to Kimberley. There he has continued being a loosehead prop with a high work rate, the classic example of his input into a game being his performance against the Xerox Golden Lions last weekend. Mona scored two tries, carried tirelessly, tackled opponents backwards and was a general nuisance allround.

George Whitehead (Flyhalf, 30)

At 30, Whitehead has been there, done that in that he has played Super Rugby and Currie Cup already. This is why he is such a dependable component of Griquas’ machine, especially when you take in his kicking, be it at poles or out of hand. Ask any opposition coach which one of the Griquas players you have to silence and they always go for the pack and the calm and intelligent operator at flyhalf.

DHL WESTERN PROVINCE

Abner van Reenen (Flyhalf, 20)

As a member of the unbeaten Paarl Boys High team of 2017, Van Reenen has come into senior rugby with something of a pedigree, and the good thing is he hasn’t exactly disappointed. In his first year mixing it with the seniors, the quick-thinking and versatile Van Reenen (he can also play fullback and outside centre) has emerged as the top points scorer in the group stages of this competition with 90 points. That 85 of them were via the boot, not his favourite part of his game, is telling of what he can do.

Craig Barry (Fullback, 27)

Having played for the Stormers – and scored – in their win against the Sunwolves last weekend, Barry has come back to resume his role as the leader of the Province side from wing in the semifinal against Griquas. A veteran of SuperSport Rugby Challenge rugby (he is now in his third year), Barry’s experience has already proven invaluable as it was he who was calling tactics as they overhauled the Toyota Free State XV’s 33-17 lead a fortnight ago. Also as man of the match of the 2017 final, he knows what it's like to produce in knockout rugby.

PUMAS

Chris Smith (Flyhalf, 24)

Few big games are decided in favour of the team with the flyhalf who doesn’t take over the game on said big game. Smith may only be 24, but he already has built a track record in winning his teams titles by being good when it counts. He, his calm demeanour and dependable boot were there for Maties in the Varsity Cup last year, for the Pumas when they went unbeaten in this competition last year, and they hope he’ll be the last flyhalf standing on Sunday.

Devon Williams (Fullback, 27)

Williams’ name isn’t one that trips off the tongues of your average rugby fan. But in Nelspruit he has built himself a reputation as a man who can create something out of nothing. The Pumas are essentially a simple and effective team, Williams is the guy that gives them the bit of magic to capitalise on the foundation their formidable pack sets up.

BOLAND CAVALIERS

Valentino Wellman (Wing, 25)

Two years ago Wellman played for Western Province, a dream he wouldn’t realise by making his way up the ranks in Cape Town. His return to Wellington has given him back his confidence in his games. Apparently the powers-that-be in the Boland have had to work around the clock to get said confidence back up after his dream move to Province didn’t pan out.

Kenan Cronje (Flank, 24)

Despite his age, Cronje has already played his 50th game for the Cavaliers, a feat which drops broad hints as to his usefulness to their cause. A hardworking flanker who is as busy on the park as he is efficient. Cronje was one of the key players in upsetting Western Province on Sunday, coming perilously close to claiming the man of the match award on the day.