SPRINGBOK WATCH: Week marked by hat-trick, red mist and sad retirement

A host of Springbok players were in the spotlight this past weekend, with one bagging a hat-trick, another on the receiving end of a straight red card and a third Test legend walking off into the sunset after an illustrious career.

HAT-TRICK HERO

Canan Moodie emerged as the hero of the day for the Bulls in their massive 56-35 bonus-point demolition of Benetton at Loftus on Saturday.

The Springbok utility back, who started on the wing for the Bulls, sent a strong statement to the national selectors with a notable performances in which he expertly showcased his versatile skillset.

Moodie scored a brace of tries in the first half and complete his hat-trick with a third touchdown deep in the second half.

The result saw the Bulls rise to second in the URC standings with just one round of regular season action remaining.

BOK BRUTE’S DEFINING RED MIST MOMENT

Jasper Wiese, in his final act for the Leicester Tigers before he leaves the club to join the Bulls, copped a deserved red card for a dangerous and reckless tip tackle.

The Springbok man-mountain picked up an opponent during Leicester’s clash against the Exeter Chiefs and dumped him horizontally on his head.

During his four-year spell at the Tigers, Wiese become somewhat of a cult hero among the fans and one of the all-time greatest players in the team’s history, boasting figures of 79 match appearances, 21 tries and 105 points.

A SAD END TO AN ILLUSTRIOUS SPRINGBOK CAREER

Playing in his final ever match as a professional rugby player, World Cup winner Ruan Pienaar sadly went out on a losing note as the Cheetahs lost 17-39 to Griquas in the SA Cup.

Springbok No 779’s illustrious career started in 2004 when he made his senior debut for Cheetahs. He went on to play 88 Tests for the Springboks, while enjoying successful spells at the Sharks, Ulster and Munster before returning to the Cheetahs to conclude his playing days where it all started.

Now 20 years later, the 40-year-old Springbok’s trophy collection includes three Currie Cups and a Rugby World Cup, and countless match-winning and career defining moments for every team he ever represented.

DE ALLENDE UPSTAGES SPRINGBOK TEAMMATE IN CENTRE BATTLE

Playing for the Panasonic Wild Knights in a Japanese League One semi-final against Yokohama Canon Eagles, Damian de Allende won his midfield battle with fellow Springbok teammates Jesse Kriel.

The Springbok centres line up against each other, but it was De Allende who scored a try to help his team to a riveting 20-17 win to secure a place in the final.

De Allende featured longside Springbok lock Lood de Jager for the Wild Knights, while Kriel is partnered in the Eagles squad by Faf de Klerk, who didn’t play in this semi-final.