The Saffas unsung: SA's URC XV of players underrated, but who bring full value

This season's URC campaign has seen most of South Africa's top-class players reaffirm their class, from veterans like Eben Etzebeth to newly established Bok and Stormers flyhalf Manie Libbok.

Yet, the country's decent showing in the second year of the tournament has been underpinned by undervalued players who have been unsung heroes to their respective teams' cause.

Welcome to News24's proverbial Moneyball XV for 2022/23, which features either wholly underappreciated gems or men who have fallen down the national pecking order, only to come roaring back. 

15 - QUAN HORN (Lions)

The winner of the 22/23 Ironman Award goes to… @LionsRugbyCo’s Quan Horn ??1??,4??2??8?? minutes played! #URC | #URCAwards

This season's Iron Man award recipient deserves more plaudits than he received.

Thrust into a lot of action for a 21-year-old, Horn has transformed from a silky attacking exponent at junior level to a young man rapidly becoming a consummate fullback.

His play-making instincts remain fully intact as he gained 717 metres, made the third-most clean breaks (10) during the league stage, and beat 27 defenders.

But his defensive play has been excellent too - 8 turnovers is hugely impressive for a fullback and his kicking metres and kicks retained are the most in the position this season.

14 - DAVID KRIEL (Bulls)

Put it this way: the Bulls could have been in a lot more trouble had they not had this man around.

The lanky utility back might not command much attention because of his un-fussy style, but you can't quibble with his attacking influence when he makes the most clean breaks (23), gains the third most running metres (845) and completes 5 try assists.

His 75% tackle-completion rate looks mediocre yet was perhaps symptomatic of the broader