Four South Africans are leading key statistics after three rounds of the Vodacom URC.

Bulls wing Sebastian de Klerk, Sharks scrumhalf/flyhalf Jaden Hendrikse, Lions scrumhalf Nico Steyn and Bulls loose forward Mpilo Gumede have all made a major impact early in the season.

De Klerk tops the competition for defenders beaten (15) after a blistering start that’s seen him torment opposition defences. Hendrikse leads the way for kicks in play (35), while Steyn has racked up the most passes (204). Gumede, meanwhile, is joint-leader for turnovers won (five), underlining his breakdown threat.

Overall top players after Round 3
Carries: Alun Lawrence (Cardiff) – 60
Defenders beaten: Sebastian de Klerk (Bulls) – 15
Kicks in play: Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks) – 35
Lineout steals: Alex Soroka (Leinster) – 4
Lineouts won: Leonardo Krumov (Zebre) – 21
Metres: Josh McKay (Glasgow) – 238
Passes: Nico Steyn (Lions) – 204
Tackles: Harri Deaves (Ospreys) – 57
Tries: Louis Lynagh (Benetton), Tom Bowen (Cardiff) – 5 each
Turnovers won: Dan Thomas (Cardiff), Dewi Lake (Ospreys), Mirco Spagnolo (Benetton), Mpilo Gumede (Bulls) – 5 each

STATE OF THE URC: Stormers shine as SA rivals wilt

Top players from Round 3
Carries: Alun Lawrence (Cardiff) – 24
Defenders beaten: Ignacio Mendy (Benetton) – 11
Lineouts won: Alex Soroka (Leinster) – 10
Metres: Ignacio Mendy (Benetton) – 170
Passes: George Horne (Glasgow) – 85
Tackles: Alun Lawrence (Cardiff) – 26

AFRICA PICKS: URC Round 3 review – Stormers on top

Overall top team season totals
Carries: Glasgow – 439
Defenders beaten: Ospreys – 87
Kicks in play: Cardiff – 98
Metres: Glasgow – 1,465
Points: Bulls – 99
Tackles: Dragons – 485
Tries: Bulls – 16
Turnover won: Cardiff – 26
Visits to 22: Glasgow Warriors – 40

URC player stats
URC team stats

Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images