Springbok Player Ratings v New Zealand - 100th Test
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Springbok Player Ratings v New Zealand - 100th Test
The Springboks' slipped to a narrow 19-17 loss to the All Blacks in the 100th meeting between the two sides on Saturday.
The victory for New Zealand sees them claim the Rugby Championship title in 2021.
Here is how we rated the Springboks in defeat.
1: Trevor Nyakane - 6
Scrummed well against Laulala as the Bok pack had the upper hand at the set-piece in the first half. Won a turnover and made all of his tackles before being replaced at halftime.
2: Bongi Mbonambi - 6
Had one of his lineout darts picked off but was otherwise strong in the set pieces for the Springboks in the first half. Emptied the tank and was replaced at halftime.
3: Frans Malherbe - 8
It's not often the big Springbok tighthead plays over an hour but Malherbe was on song today.
He got the better of Joe Moody at scrum time in the first half and continued to do so against Tu'inukuafe. He was busy around the park with some strong carriers and did well over the ball too. A simply outstanding performance from the tighthead.
4: Eben Etzebeth - 7
Charged around the pitch like a man possessed for 55 minutes emptying the tank before was replaced by Franco Mostert. He was physical and abrasive while also troubling the likes of George Bridge as he contested the high balls. He also claimed two key lineout steals either side of halftime.
5: Lood de Jager - 7
Regularly got the better of the All Blacks' lineout picking off throws from Codie Taylor. Caught out on defence for the first try as he slipped off the tackle of Taylor but tackled tirelessly for the remainder of the game.
6: Siya Kolisi - 9
Did everything in his power to try to surge the Springboks to victory. Simply outstanding in all facets of the game. He had a fantastic opening 20 minutes as he disrupted the All Blacks' attack with some stellar work at the breakdown and dismantled their maul. He continued in that fashion throughout the game and is particularly unlucky to be on the losing end of that result.
7: Kwagga Smith - 7
Far from your classic Springbok blinside flanker but Smith stepped up to the plate today with a fine outing for the men in Green and Gold. He contested well over the ball and had some strong carries including one where he shoved Akira Ioane to the ground. Replaced with 16 minutes to play with his replacement Marco van Staden picking up from where he left off.
8: Duane Vermeulen - 6.5
Lost an aerial battle with George Bridge early on but the winger went straight into touch. He won an excellent penalty from a set piece soon after.
A few strong runs into the heart of the All Blacks' defence got the Boks on the front foot while he defended well too.
9. Faf de Klerk - 6
George Bridge struggled to field the Springbok scrumhalf's box kicks but de Klerk was guilty of going to the boot far too often. He kicked possession away in key areas for the Springboks.
10: Handre Pollard - 6
Like de Klerk, Pollard wasted key attacking possessions. He did have some swift passes and was solid enough on defence. He nailed four of his five kicks at goal with his sole missing coming from the conversion attempt.
11: Makazole Mapimpi - 6
Had few attacking opportunities but chased the Springbok bombs well. He also made an excellent potential try-saving tackle on Bridge. He defended relatively well too.
12: Damian de Allende - 6
Combative and abrasive in contact whether on the ball or in defence. De Allene also came up with a turnover and linked up well with Luhanyo Am. A slightly quieter game from the Springbok centre and he was replaced in the 69th minute.
13: Lukhanyo Am - 6
Made a few excellent reads on defence and shut down a few of the All Blacks' most threatening attacks. Had some nice touches on attack but enough to make enough of an impact.
14: Sbu Nkosi - 6.5
Was in the right place at the right time to grab a try in the 100th test but like his fellow winger, he didn't get enough attacking ball.
After grabbing a try, he was sent to the sin bin with a silly knockdown in his 22. He also chased the high balls well and competed in the air.
15: Willie le Roux - 6
Had some good kicks out of hand and covered the backfield really well. He tried to spark the attack but was unsuccessful.
Reserves:
Reserves:
16: Malcolm Marx - 7
Made a big impact in the second half with some thumping hits and won two turnovers. His lineout throws were accurate while he also lead the charge in defusing the All Blacks' driving mauls.
17: Steven Kitshoff - 6.5
Dominated at scrum time and landed some big hits.
18: Vincent Koch - 6.5
Made an impact with his first scrum of the game, winning a penalty and continued to get the better of the All Black pack in that department. Picked up from where Malherbe left off.
19: Franco Mostert - 6
Busy around the park from the second he came on. He also picked off an All Black lineout.
20: Marco van Staden - 6.5
A barnstorming run from his own 22 gave the Springboks a chance to claim a victory. He carried well throughout his performance and was a threat over the ball.
21: Herschel Jantjies - 3
Some silly decisions in the latter stages of the game which ultimately cost the Springboks.
22: Elton Jantjies - n/a
Didn't get on.
23: Frans Steyn - 6
Made two key turnovers that could have swung the game in the Springboks' favour.
