Following the Springboks’ historic 35-7 win over the All Blacks at Twickenham, here are our player ratings for the South Africans.
Player ratings
15 Damian Willemse: Named man of the match on the day, he had a great performance looking after the backfield with aplomb. Carried well from deep kicks, using his step and power to make 104 metres on the night. One of his best outings at full-back for the Springboks. 9
14 Kurt-Lee Arendse: A game where he did not always get the chances he would have liked but still managed to score off a great defensive read resulting in an intercept try. A lethal customer and one who adds to selection headaches at wing. 7
13 Canan Moodie: Looks at home in the outside centre channel, making clever reads all game long. Linked up well on attack and scored a glorious disallowed try that he certainly deserved. 8
12 Andre Esterhuizen: A commanding performance from the centre who is begging to be first choice 12 for the Boks. The Harlequin was brutal and robust yet intelligent and decisive in decision-making. A top quality outing in green and gold which gives head coach Jacques Nienaber a lot to think about. 8.5
11 Makazole Mapimpi: Worked hard all game long on both sides of the ball and almost set up a beautiful try. Unfortunately did not get the time and space he would have liked but a very solid outing for the veteran. 6
10 Manie Libbok: Hands down his best performance at Test level particularly with his game under the microscope. He nailed all his kicks for goal and kicked exceptionally well for touch which resulted in the maul tries for the Boks. The outing he needed and one that will instil confidence in Boks fans. 9
9 Faf de Klerk: The scrum-half was typically high tempo in this game, busy and always looking for ways to gain an advantage. He kicked decently and outside of a couple of soft mistakes had a great game for the Boks. 7
Demolition pack
8 Duane Vermeulen: Rock solid from the great number eight who averaged 10 metres for every carry he had whilst also making six tackles at 100%. An effort that underlined his class. 7
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit: A vintage effort from the flank who showed his immense work rate and ability on both sides of the ball as he set up a try and made a game-high 16 tackles. A very positive performance from a key player in the side. 8
6 Siya Kolisi: Certainly does not look like a man who has only just returned from a serious knee injury as he managed to cross the whitewash whilst also assisting Malcolm Marx just after half-time. 8
5 Franco Mostert: Back in the second-row and a menace for the All Black lineout, which was one of the ways in which the Boks disarmed their opponents. A typically hard-working effort otherwise. 6
4 Eben Etzebeth: A presence in the lineout like his second-row partner with some steals of his own. Carried fearlessly as he usually does whilst contributing on defence. Solid from the centurion. 7
3 Frans Malherbe: A monstrous evening at Twickenham from the tighthead who along with his front-row partners dismantled the All Blacks in the set-piece. The kind of outing that underlines his value to the Springboks. 8
2 Malcolm Marx: Scored a try to become the Springboks’ all-time try scorer as a forward. Fair reward for another star who was at his best making 11 tackles on the night. 8
1 Steven Kitshoff: Slightly low-key by his lofty standards but an absolute colossus in the scrum. Outstanding from the star loosehead. 7
Replacements: The late change forced a 7-1 split which ultimately played hugely in the Boks favour. This was a Bomb Squad impact to the magnitude we saw in 2019. Jean Kleyn and RG Snyman added power and dynamism. Kwagga Smith crossed for a try and the front-rowers continued the dominance. 9
READ MORE: Springboks lay down Rugby World Cup marker with stunning demolition of 14-man All Blacks
The article Springboks player ratings: Blockbuster effort across the board in record win appeared first on Planetrugby.com.
Article courtesy of
Source link
