Western Province are not just topping the Currie Cup standings, they are also on top in our weekly selection - deserved plaudits for one of their most productive seasons in years.

There are six Province players in our starting XV and another two on our 'Bubbling Under' bench.

The Golden Lions, following their fine win over the Bulls also have strong representation - four in our starting XV and another four Bubbling Under.

The Cheetahs, with three, the Blue Bulls and Leopards (one each) make up the numbers in our starting XV.

In fact the Leopards' first win of the season has been rewarded with not just their first selection of the season, but another four players in our Bubbling Under team.

The Cheetahs (two), Sharks and Bulls (one each) provide the rest of our Bubbling Under squad.

Only three players return this week - wing Jongi Nokwe (Free State Cheetahs), prop Brok Harris (Western Province) and hooker Adriaan Strauss (Free State Cheetahs).

Team of the Week - Round Eight:

15 - Joe Pietersen (Western Province):
Such an exciting runner and he is maturing in his defensive roles as well.
Bubbling under: Earl Lewis (Golden Lions)

14 - Gerhard van Heerden (Blue Bulls):
Whether he plays on the left or right wing, he looks pure class and remains a quality finisher.
Bubbling under: Shuaib Samaai (Leopards)

13 - Juan de Jongh (Western Province):
How many more times will we say it this season? He is one of the finds of the tournament.
Bubbling under: Robert Ebersohn (Free State Cheetahs)

12 - Pieter Engelbrecht (Golden Lions):
Another of the many young guns who have grabbed their opportunities to play on the Currie Cup stage.
Bubbling under: Basil de Doncker (Leopards)

11 - Jongi Nokwe (Free State Cheetahs):
You may be able to query some aspects of his game, but he is a grand finisher. And that is the primary function of a wing - to finish.
Bubbling under: Lwazi Mvovo (Sharks)

10 - Herkie Kruger (Golden Lions):
He produced what must rank as his best ever Currie Cup performance.
Bubbling under: Cecil Dumont (Leopards)

9 - Michael Bondesio (Leopards):
Truly a local product and such a fine talent. These are the quality of players the Leopards must retain if they want to be a Currie Cup force.
Bubbling under: Jano Vermaak (Golden Lions)

8 - Willem Alberts (Golden Lions):
The backbone of the Lions' drive. He never lets his team down.
Bubbling under: Dewald Potgieter (Blue Bulls)

7 - Franco van der Merwe (Golden Lions):
He is a delightful player and his body language says he is enjoying his rugby.
Bubbling under: Duane Vermeulen (Western Province:

6 - Francois Louw (Western Province):
A key member of a Province loose trio that dominated the highly-rated Sharks loose forwards.
Bubbling under: Wilhelm Koch (Leopards)

5 - Anton van Zyl (Western Province):
Another player who never lets his team down and as a result his name features regularly in our selection meetings.
Bubbling under: David de Villiers (Free State Cheetahs)

4 - Chris Jack (Western Province):
He is loving the Currie Cup - the perfect vehicle to work his way back into the All Black selection frame. Watch him in the Super 14 next year.
Bubbling under: Nico Luus (Golden Lions)

3 - Brok Harris (Western Province):
His game has come on in leaps and bounds - not just in the scrums, but all over the park.
Bubbling under: WP Nel (Free State Cheetahs)

2 - Adriaan Strauss (Free State Cheetahs)
He has truly blossomed since he took over the Cheetahs captaincy.
Bubbling under: Tiaan Liebenberg (Western Province)

1 - Coenie Oosthuizen (Free State Cheetahs):
This young man has just turned 20 and is showing a maturity beyond his years.
Bubbling under: JC Janse van Rensburg (Golden Lions)