Wily Williams earns Euro star

10/29/2024 10:18 AM

Grant Williams leads the charge as one of three South Africans selected for the Opta Index’s European Rugby Team of the Week, earning the accolade of Player of the Week.

As the 2024 November Test window approaches, excitement is building around the players who will represent their nations in the upcoming weeks.

Alongside Williams, Vincent Tshituka and Thomas du Toit also made the cut, showcasing their outstanding performances.

The team features players from eleven different clubs, with Gloucester, Saracens, and Connacht each contributing two representatives. Toulouse also saw two players recognized following their impressive demolition of Toulon.

Williams was instrumental in the Sharks' URC victory over Munster. He not only scored a try but also assisted in two others, making him the standout player with three try involvements—the most of any URC player over the weekend.

Remarkably, despite making just seven carries, he was the only scrumhalf to surpass 100 metres gained across the European leagues, clocking in at 102 metres. His closest competitor, the renowned Antoine Dupont, managed only 95 metres from 15 carries.

Williams' defensive prowess was equally impressive, boasting a 100% tackle success rate with six completed tackles, including a crucial turnover-winning tackle against Sean O'Brien, which stifled Munster’s momentum after the Sharks surged to an early 17-0 lead.

Joining Williams in the spotlight is Sharks teammate Tshituka. His powerful performance in the back row was vital to the Sharks' dominance, highlighting his growing importance in the squad.

Meanwhile, Du Toit continued his scoring form for Bath, crossing the try line for the second consecutive weekend in their convincing 40-13 victory over Sale Sharks.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images

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