Most tries, points and conversions for Cheetahs and Kings
Almost two years after being booted out of Super Rugby, the Cheetahs and Kings are making their mark in the PRO14 competition.
Both sides are some way off challenging for the title, but with X wins from 21 for the Cheetahs and x wins for the Kings, things might be coming together.
And, despite being way off contention for a spot in the semi-finals, the attacking prowess from sides has been impressive. Even when wins have been scarce, the entertainment hasn't.
South Africans making the top of the stats in the PRO14
At the end of the conference phase, the leading points and try scorers’ lists are dotted with several South Africans from both sides. While the defensive and handling skills have been lacking somewhat, here’s a look a the South African players who have put on an attacking show during the 2018-19 PRO14 season.
Rabz Maxwane
Arguably the most impressive South African player of the season, Maxwane scored 14 tries (just ahead of second-placed Johnny McNicholl on 11) and made an impressive 34 clean breaks - also some way ahead of second-placed McNicholl's 29.
Shaun Venter
Venter's not been quite as prolific as his Cheetahs' teammate, but with ten tries and 12 assists, he's been the kind of scrumhalf every team dreams of. You know, that annoying one, who just doesn't get out of your face.
Masixole Banda
Without Banda's boot, the Kings might have been a lot worse off this season. Banda added over 115 points to the Kings' total this season, just three of those coming from dotting over the whitewash. That should be enough to ensure he stays in the top ten points' scorers for the season. Not bad going when you're playing for a team that managed just two wins all season.
Tian Schoeman
Schoeman's bene prolific with the boot, too, having slotted more kicks (59) than any other player by the completion of the conference stages. Ross Bryne on 35 trails by some margin. Schoeman is also one of the leading point scorers overall with 134, just ten of those points were from the two tries he scored.
Yaw Penxe and Bjorn Basson
Creative, quick and quick across the line, Penxe has been a reliable player for the Kings since making his debut last season. And as one of the leading try-scorers for the Kings (tied on eight tries with Basson) in a dismal season, at least there are signs that the Kings are moving in the right direction.
What's there to gain from impressive PRO14 stats?
If the players need some extra motivation (or a little morale boost after a grim season), they need to look no further than Makazole Mapimpi. He scored ten tries for the Cheetahs last season and has earned a Springbok cap and a Super Rugby contract for his graft.