TURNOVER KINGS: Rudolph, De Villiers dominate URC stats

The Jackler.

A term that is thrown around a lot in rugby these days, but in essence they’re nothing new. The player - normally a 6 in South Africa - or 7 overseas - which was once called an opensider, but few teams play that way anymore.

The player that has a low centre of gravity, a strong base and is able at a flash to get over the ball and steal. That player who gets the turnovers that opposition teams dread.

This Vodacom United Rugby Championship has seen two of them - two exceptional jacklers - catch the attention and give their side a boost. One is a young upstart, the other a journeyman finding redemption.

And between them they have dominated the turnover stats for the entire URC. So today we pay tribute to the breakdown bullies - the players opposition fear and attack coaches have nightmares over.

Ironically both hail from Oakdale, one of the best producers of rugby talent in the country

Jeandre Rudolph (Bulls) - 20 turnovers

Rudolph was never really seen as a URC player - a journeyman that took his route through Varsity Cup and into the Currie Cup, he was primed to finish a good career in the domestic leagues, but while the move to the Bulls surprised most, the way he performed since arriving would have surprised people even more.

Rudolph’s performances, particularly early on in the competition when the Bulls were struggling, were standout. He performed at a level that easily caught the eye and his work at the breakdown was exceptional.

While he moved down to the bench as players such as Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom returned from injury, he still has an impact, and opposition teams still fear him. 

For a short term contract signing he has excelled, and as a workhorse he has been invaluable. A class late-career second act that will be remembered for a long time to come and finished top of the URC table for turnovers.

The hallmark of a good jackler, whose overall stats aren’t bad either.

Paul de Villiers (Stormers) - 19 turnovers

A captain at every level he has played, De Villiers has exceeded all expectations and has filled in when the Stormers lost Deon Fourie to a point where he commands a starting role on his own.  After leading the WP under-21 team to back-to-back wins in the age group championship, he captained the Junior Boks as well. 

And he even surprised Stormers coach John Dobson with his ability to steal ball and rove around the park.  So much so that he is being talked about as a genuine replacement for the injured Kwagga Smith at Bok level.

"Paul has exceeded our expectations this year and has established himself as a key member of our team. He is extremely coachable, with a solid head on his shoulders and the way he goes about things on the pitch makes him invaluable to us,” Dobson said.

And the stats agree, that’s why De Villiers may be second on the turnovers list, but has already been first on many lists as a player to watch for the future.