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144kg monster among 3-man SA URC Player of the Season shortlist

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu of DHL Stormers looks on during the United Rugby Championship match between DHL Stormers and Connacht at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo By Shaun Roy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

The three-player shortlist for the South African Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) Player of the Season award has been confirmed, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cameron Hanekom and Wilco Louw earning nominations for their consistency throughout the 2023/24 campaign.

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Voting closed on Friday. Input was gathered from the Springbok coaching team, the coaching staffs of the four South African URC franchises, and members of the rugby media. In total, 17 players received votes.

Stormers stand-off Feinberg-Mngomezulu was a regular contributor to the Cape Town-based franchise’s attacking efforts during the regular season.

He finished joint-fifth on the overall points scoring chart but it was his star turn as a playmaking attacking threat that caught the eye.

Block-busting Bulls back-row Hanekom led several defensive and attacking metrics for the Bulls. The 6’4, 104kg No.8 made more tackles, beat more defenders, and won more turnovers than any of his teammates. He also ranks fifth in the league for offloads.

Louw’s performances at tighthead prop have coincided with the Bulls’ strong showing at scrum time. The Pretoria-based side’s scrum has statistically been the best in the competition this season and the 144kg giant played a key role in that regard.

All three players were involved in the Springboks’ alignment camp in Cape Town last week. Their inclusion on the shortlist strengthens their case for further national recognition with tghe Boks ahead of the July Test window.

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The winner will be announced on Thursday, 5 June, as part of the annual Vodacom URC Awards.

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H
Hammer Head 1 hour ago
Who is telling the truth about France's tour of New Zealand?

Galthie’s strategy is clearly about building depth over winning against New Zealand in New Zealand. It’s a calculated move, simple as.


Losing against the ABs with a B (some say C) Team isn’t going to set fire alarms off back at home. They have free license to lose. To experiment. To take risks.


On the off chance they win a game (my money is on this weekend’s game) - Galthie will be hailed a genius.


Lose all three tests? Meh. Will anyone in France bat an eyelid?


Galthie has used two tours in two years to play so-called B teams - which is doing exactly what the Author and others are suggesting Galthie do. He’s building depth in a player group and combinations who have travelled.


The stars left back home don’t need development. And don’t need to travel to enhance their games right now. Leave them back home to look after their bodies - keep the mileage low.


Yes this might backfire on them in 2027, but it’s a strategy - and not an awful one - Galthie is sticking to with consistency.


Getting beaten by the ABs in New Zealand is not experience to be scoffed at for an extended group of players hungry to go to 2027.


Beware of any complacency to the All Blacks and their fans. The French are an unpredictable lot. And a rising force under Galthie who’s got a lot to make up for in not winning their best chance of winning a World Cup at home in 2023. He’s a changed man on a mission for redemption.

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