Keo.co.za picks six SA players making their mark in the URC

Not every South African player who has excelled in the first few months of the URC has made the Springboks squad. Keo.co.za picks six players who have made an impression, regardless of Springboks selection.

Two have been central to the Sharks’ historic European tour, two have strengthened the Stormers, one has added bite to the Bulls, and one gave the Lions a match-winning start before their form dipped on the road.

Keo.co.za picks six SA players who have starred in the URC

Zekhethelo Siyaya has become impossible to overlook. The 19-year-old fullback was named Player of the Match in the Sharks’ wins over Cardiff and Munster, and he was at the heart of the victory at Thomond Park. His break and kick helped create the opening try against Munster; he then came close to scoring himself after gliding past the defence and kicking ahead. Sharks coach JP Pietersen has praised his talent, but also pointed to the work of the pack that gives Siyaya the platform to attack. That is the balance: individual spark, built on collective effort. The Citizen

Nick Hatton has supplied the Sharks with power and authority from No 8. He led them through an unbeaten three-match European tour, and at Thomond Park his late charge turned a lineout steal into the decisive try. Hatton was tackled short, but the Sharks kept the move alive and Ivan van Zyl finished it. It was a captain’s contribution in a match that demanded patience and physical resolve. iol.co.za

Yaqeen Ahmed has made his chances count for the Stormers. He scored twice after coming off the bench against Scarlets, then started at flyhalf against Ulster and scored again in the 33-7 win. His performance included three line breaks and six defenders beaten, as well as a cross-kick that helped create a try for captain Ruhan Nel. Ahmed has offered John Dobson more than youthful energy: he has given the Stormers a playmaker who can threaten the line and finish chances. Rugby365

Ntuthuko Mchunu has made his impression where matches are often decided: the scrum. In the Stormers’ derby win over the Sharks, he helped drive a dominant set-piece that produced a pushover try. Against Ulster, he again helped the Stormers take control up front. His value is not confined to scrummaging; he brings carrying power and keeps the forwards moving through contact. 2026/27 URC

Jeandré Rudolph was the standout in the Bulls’ 54-26 win over Scarlets. He scored the opening try, carried strongly and earned Player of the Match honours. The Bulls were pushed after leading 19-0, and Scarlets drew level at 26-26. Rudolph’s work was part of the response that helped the Bulls pull clear. It was a forceful performance in a team that has scored more tries than any other in the competition. springboks.rugby

Erich Cronje announced himself in the opening round. He scored twice against defending champions Leinster as the Lions edged a dramatic 27-26 win, repeatedly troubling the visitors with his pace and finishing. The Lions have since lost three successive matches, all away from home. Cronje’s start remains a marker of what the team can produce; the challenge now is finding that level consistently on the road. ultimaterugby.com

The Bulls, Stormers and Sharks go into the international break second, third and fourth. These six have each given their teams a reason to believe the opening block can lead to something more.