The United Rugby Championship Round 14 delivered thrilling clashes, standout individual displays, and a lone victory for a South African franchise—the Bulls. Here’s our pick for the best XV of the round.
Front Row Dominance
Props & Hooker: Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Vincent Koch (Sharks)
Leinster’s front row endured another bruising week in South Africa, with the Sharks trio imposing their will. Mbonambi was immense—scoring a try, completing 11/11 lineouts, and putting in a defensive shift with Nche and Koch. The trio combined for an incredible 34 tackles, setting the tone up front.
Power in the Engine Room
Locks: Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh), Sam Lousi (Scarlets)
Gilchrist put in a tireless shift, making 11 tackles in a solid defensive display against the Dragons. Lousi contributed across the park with 20 carry meters, a clean break, an offload, and 11 tackles, proving his all-round value.
Back Row Brilliance
Flankers & No. 8: James Botham (Cardiff), Max Deegan (Leinster), Evan Roos (Stormers)
Botham was a defensive rock with 14 tackles and a try in a losing effort. Deegan was named MOTM in Durban after racking up 61 meters, a turnover, and 10 tackles. Roos, in barnstorming form for the Stormers, powered through Ulster’s defense for two tries, 56 carry meters, 11 tackles, and a turnover.
Commanding the Game
Halfbacks: Fintan Gunne (Leinster), Tomas Albornoz (Benetton)
Gunne made an immediate impact in his first Leinster start, setting up the opening try and showing composure in tough conditions. Albornoz, instrumental in Benetton’s narrow win over Cardiff, tallied 15 points (one try, a conversion, and two penalties) while also winning a turnover and making nine tackles.
Midfield Magic
Centers: Tom Jordan (Glasgow Warriors), David Kriel (Bulls)
Jordan impressed with 83 carry meters, 10 tackles, a clean break, and a turnover. Kriel made his mark for the Bulls with a try, 46 carry meters, a turnover, and a clean break.
Electric Back Three
Wingers & Fullback: Darcy Graham (Edinburgh), Jamie Dobie (Glasgow Warriors), Wes Goosen (Edinburgh)
Graham was electric for Edinburgh, scoring a try, assisting another, and making 90 carry meters. Dobie was even more devastating, running for 103 meters, bagging two tries, and setting up another in Glasgow’s rout of the Lions. Goosen rounded out the back three with a huge 106-meter performance, adding two clean breaks against the Dragons.
Final Thoughts
Round 14 showcased some exceptional individual performances, with players stepping up across the park. With the business end of the season approaching, expect more fireworks in the upcoming rounds!