PLAYER RATINGS: Barely better
OPINION: Australia beat South Africa 23-18 in a scrappy game that was a showcase for just how pathetic both teams are.
The Wallabies, at least, have the consolation that they have ended their losing streak.
However, neither team can be proud of their performance.
Jan de Koning rates the Australia players!
15 Dane Haylett-Petty:
Was reasonable in the last line of defence and had some decent carries. However, his defence was less than acceptable.
5/10
14 Jack Maddocks:
Had limited opportunities and attack and struggled to make an impression with the ball in hand. Made a couple of tackles and won a turnover. Just acceptable.
6/10
13 Reece Hodge:
Kicked a monster, 55-metre, penalty just before half-time to make it a one-point game at the break. No real threat on attack, but made all his tackles.
6/10
12 Matt Toomua:
His reading of the game was sublime and he made an impressive 10 tackles, without slipping one.
7/10
11 Marika Koroibete:
Didn’t see any ball in the first half and became frustrated – getting involved in off-the-ball incidents. Had a few runs in the second half, but was found wanting on defence.
5/10
10 Kurtley Beale:
Good reading of the game, made great decisions and was accurate with the execution of his plays. Slipped a few tackles and conceded a penalty.
6/10
9 Will Genia:
Was accurate and made great decisions, keeping the Bok defence guessing throughout the game. His service was crisp Did miss a couple of tackles, but the most influential player in the game.
8/10
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8 Pete Samu:
Sometimes you wonder what coaches see in players. His workrate was poor for a No.8 and slipped tackles.
4/10
7 Michael Hooper (captain):
He was busy on defence and had a handful of carries, but his constant harping makes him look like a frustrated ‘old man’.
6/10
6 Lukhan Tui:
Australia’s most impressive forward – a tackle count in the double figures and also making ground with the ball in hand on several occasions.
7/10
5 Izack Rodda:
Made all his tackles and worked hard at the breakdown. Even stole a Bok line-out.
6/10
4 Rory Arnold:
Great early line-out steal, five metres from his own line, but ran out of puff and his workrate dropped.
5/10
3 Allan Alaalatoa:
Solid in the early scrums, but a poor workrate and his discipline is an issue.
5/10
2 Tatafu Polota-Nau:
Was reasonable in the first half, before he was replaced just past the half-hour mark. Made some great tackles and won a couple of turnovers. Came back on inside the last 10 minutes.
5/10
1 Scott Sio:
Under pressure in the scrums and conceded a penalty. Made a handful of tackles.
5/10
Replacements:
16 Folau Fainga’a (on for Polota-Nau, 34th min):
His line-out throwing was shocking and his workrate poor.
4/10
17 Tom Robertson (on for Sio, 70th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
18 Taniela Tupou (on for Alaalatoa, 48th min):
He was under pressure in the scrums, missed as many tackles as he made and conceded a penalty.
4/10
19 Rob Simmons (on for Rodda, 42nd min):
Made a handful of tackles and cleaned a few rucks. Conceded a penalty. Pretty average.
5/10
20 Ned Hanigan (on for Arnold, 77th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
21 Joe Powell:
Not used.
22 Bernard Foley (on for Maddocks, 62nd min):
No impact on the game, other than a few tackles.
4/10
23 Tom Banks (on for Hodge, 69th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
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