Rugby Championship team of the week: Nine Springboks selected after upset win over All Blacks, no Wallabies after losing to Argentina

FOR just the second time in Rugby Championship history both the All Blacks and Wallabies lost on the same weekend.

Here’s our Rugby Championship team of the week for Round Four of the competition.

1. Steven Kitshoff (South Africa)

Picked ahead of ‘Beast’ Mtawarira at loose-head prop, Kitshoff was once again superb for the Springboks.

The versatile pro made four carries for 23 metres and completed 18 of his 19 tackles.

2. Malcolm Marx (South Africa)

After an underwhelming performance off the bench against the Wallabies, Marx returned to the starting line-up and made a huge impact.

All up he had four carries for 30 metres, one linebreak and four tackle busts.

But his work at slowing the All Blacks’ ball down at the breakdown was key.

Marx was solid in his set piece duties winning five of six lineout throws (83%).

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3. Frans Malherbe (South Africa)

Malherbe put in his biggest shift of 2018 in an impressive 65 minute performance.

The strongest aspect of the tight-head’s game was his defence making 13 tackles — without a miss.

The experienced prop also carried well finding himself at full stride in the open field after receiving a beautiful skip pass by reserve fly-half Elton Jantjies.

The 25 metre break eventually led to the Springboks’ crucial fifth try and saw them take a 36-21 lead.

4. Guido Petti (Argentina)

The young 23 year-old lock played a pivotal role in Argentina’s first win on Australian soil since their very first game in Australia in 1983.

The multi-skilled second rower made contributions across the park with five lineout wins, including one lineout steal, three carries for 10 metres and six tackles.

5. Franco Mostert (South Africa)

Mostert put in an inspiring 80 minute shift finishing with three lineout wins and an incredible 29 tackles, which typified the Springboks’ unyielding defence.

The mammoth defensive effort equalled Richie McCaw’s Rugby Championship record set in 2010 for most tackles in a match.

6. Pablo Matera (Argentina)

Called into the side following his teammate’s injury, Matera made the most of the opportunity.

The dynamic blindside flanker’s spurring run late in the first half led to Bautista Delguy scoring and saw Argentina retake the lead.

Matera finished with seven carries for 61 metres, including one linebreak and three tackle busts, while he also made a game high 17 tackles.

7. Marcos Kremer (Argentina)

Kremer has been a revelation in the openside position for the Pumas this season offering strong ball running, superb defence and a reliable lineout option.

The 21-year-old had nine carries for 38 metres, along with 10 tackles and three lineout wins.

8. Warren Whiteley (South Africa)

The former Springboks captain’s shift was the difference in their win over the All Blacks.

The 21 Test Springbok was impeccable with a resounding 27 tackles without a miss.

His cover defence was quite remarkable and he saved several try saves — the most memorable on TJ Perenara, who had an open run to the goal line.

Whiteley also had four carries for 17 metres, one linebreak and a try assist.

9. Gonzalo Bertranou (Argentina)

Argentina’s scrum-half was solid as a rock.

Bertranou was accurate with his delivery, created one linebreak and made 200m from nine kicks.

He provided a stable body in defence, too, with eight tackles.

10. Handre Pollard (South Africa)

Rassie Erasmus’ decision to promote Pollard to the No 10 jersey paid off.

Pollard was sharp from the kicking tee slotting five of his six attempts at goal (4 conversions and 1 penalty) and he transitioned seamlessly to the inside centre role following Damien de Allende’s injury.

Pollard also made 13 tackles.

11. Aphiwe Dyanti (South Africa)

Dyanti is one of the most exciting wingers in world rugby.

The Springbok left wing put his team on the scoreboard finishing off an excellent blind side attack and scored his side’s last try with a lovely step off his left foot.

Dyanti finished the match with two tries from five runs, made 52 metres, one linebreak and two tackle busts.

But it was his shot on Damien McKenzie that proved to be the biggest moment of the match, as he forced an error from the All Blacks’ utility which proved to be the matchwinning moment.

12. Ryan Crotty (New Zealand)

Returning from a spell on the sidelines following his head knock against the Wallabies in Bledisloe I, Crotty was the All Blacks’ best ball runner.

He broke six tackles in his 13 runs for 66 metres.

In addition to his strong running he made one linebreak assist and pulled off seven tackles.

13. Lukhanyo Am (South Africa)

The Springboks’ centre shaved Reece Hodge for the outside centre position in our team of the week.

Am broke two tackles in his one run for 5 meters.

But it was his work in defence which proved vital, where he made seven tackles, won a pilfer at the breakdown and was important in the Springboks’ transition into defence.

14. Bautista Delguy (Argentina)

Argentina’s winger is putting himself in the position to be nominated for rookie of the year.

Delguy continued his hot form from Super Rugby and his try on the weekend will be leading the shortlist for tries of the week.

The 21-year-old had seven carries for 92 metres, one linebreak and made four tackle busts.

Just to show he’s not a one trick pony, the Argentine right-wing was active in defence with seven tackles.

15. Willie Le Roux (South Africa)

Received a yellow card midway through the second half, but his cynical play proved to be effective as it slowed the ball down when the All Blacks were hot on attack.

The instinctive fullback made the All Blacks pay for one wayward quick lineout and his try proved to be the turning point of the match.

In all, Le Roux finished with a try, five runs for 33 metres, one linebreak and a try assist.