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South Africans dominate URC's try-scoring charts

(Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

South Africans have dominated the URC’s try scoring charts, making up five of the top six come the end of the regular season. Stormers winger Leolin Zas topped the charts with 11 first class finishes across the campaign.

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Zas claimed his accolade alongside fellow South African and Bulls second-row Ruan Nortje, who took home the ‘Ironman’ award for playing the most minutes throughout the 18 rounds of the URC.

Other winners included Ulster’s Alan O’Connor, who claimed the highest tackle count, and Ospreys duo Jac Morgan, who won the most turnovers, and Gareth Anscombe, who claimed the Gilbert Golden Boot.

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James O’Connor is brilliantly open about his life & career | RugbyPass Offload | Episode 36

James O’Connor joins the lads this week to walk us through his phenomenal and often misunderstood career. He talks to us about being the youngest player to line out in Super Rugby and for the Wallabies, struggling with alcohol, fame and partying, as well as playing in London, Manchester and Toulon before returning to Australia. One of the most talented players of his generation, he gives us an incredible insight into the highs and lows of his career so far and what his plans are next. Max and Ryan also cover off the Champions Challenge Cup Finals and the jubilant scenes in La Rochelle

Video Spacer

James O’Connor is brilliantly open about his life & career | RugbyPass Offload | Episode 36

James O’Connor joins the lads this week to walk us through his phenomenal and often misunderstood career. He talks to us about being the youngest player to line out in Super Rugby and for the Wallabies, struggling with alcohol, fame and partying, as well as playing in London, Manchester and Toulon before returning to Australia. One of the most talented players of his generation, he gives us an incredible insight into the highs and lows of his career so far and what his plans are next. Max and Ryan also cover off the Champions Challenge Cup Finals and the jubilant scenes in La Rochelle

“It is incredible to think that I finished the regular season as the top try scorer in the competition,” Zas said. “A lot of those tries are down to the hard work of my teammates creating the opportunities for me to finish. I am grateful to them, the management, my family and our fans for the amazing support I have got this season.”

Zas started the season imperiously, scoring at least one try in each of his first six URC outings. His place at the top of the charts looked beyond doubt, until fellow South African fullback Rhyno Smith claimed seven tries in his last three appearances for Benetton, drawing level with Zas on 10.

The Stormers star soon responded, scoring the opening try in his side’s Round 18 victory over the Scarlets to maintain the top spot.

Fellow winger and Stormers teammate Seabelo Senatla finished joint third in the charts with nine tries, sharing the spot with Bulls flanker Marcell Coetzee. The Bull’s Johan Grobbelaar and the Scarlets’ Johnny McNicholl came fifth with eight tries a piece.

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South African contingents, specifically from the Bulls, also dominated the Ironman award. Nortje played a total of 1,394 minutes and was one of 14 men to feature in all 18 league games.

South Africa URC
(Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

“I am humbled and honoured to receive the United Rugby Championship Ironman Award for the 2021/22 season,” he said. “To receive this recognition in a world-class competition with some of the most respected players is definitely something that will remain a highlight in my playing career. To be able to put on the blue jersey and play for the badge in such a premier championship is something I do not take lightly. I look forward to many more memories and matches in the URC.”

Fellow Bulls players Coetzee and Madosh Tambwe came third and fourth respectively, both clocking almost 1,300 on-field minutes. Stormers duo Ruhan Nel and Manie Libbok came second and fifth, completing an all-South African top five.

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The dream team and next-gen star of the season will be announced later in the week while fans’ player of the season, the coach of the season and players’ player of the season will be announced before the URC final.

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H
Hellhound 2 hours ago
Does South Africa have a future in European competition?

All you can do is hate on SA. Jealousy makes you nasty and it's never a good look. Those who actually knows rugby is all talking about the depth and standards of the SA players. They don't wear blinders like you. The NH had many years to build the depth and players for multiple competition the SA teams didn't. There will be growing pains. Not least travel issues. The NH teams barely have to travel to play an opponent opposed to the SA teams. That is just one issue. There is many more issues, hence the "growing pains". The CC isn't yet a priority and this is what most people have a problem with. Saying SA is disrespecting that competition which isn't true. SA don't have the funds yet to go big and get the players needed for 3 competitions. It all costs a lot of money. It's over using players and get them injured or prioritising what they can deliver with what are available. To qualify for CC, they need to perform well in the URC, so that is where the main priorities is currently. In time that will change with sponsors coming in fast. They are at a distinct disadvantage currently compared to the rest. Be happy about that, because they already are the best international team. You would have hated it if they kept winning the club competitions like the URC and CC every year too. Don't be such a sourmouth loser. See the complete picture and judge accordingly. There is many factors you aren't even aware of at play that you completely ignore just to sound relevant. Instead of being an positive influence and spread the game and help it grow, we have to read nonsense like this from haters. Just grow up and stop hating on the game. Go watch soccer or something that loves people like you.

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