Player ratings: Back on the horse
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The Springboks were able to bounce back against the English after a poor showing against Ireland to grind out a 31-28 victory at Twickenham on Saturday.
The Boks were able to get themselves ahead on the scoreboard early on with an intercept try from Jan Serfontein, however the English were bale to fight back soon after.
The game's momentum swung back and forth but it was Victor Matfield's Yellow Card that let the Red Roses in with David Wilson and Ben Morgan crossing the white-wash.
The Springboks looked to keep ahead in the game with Burger scoring a try and Pat Lambie adding an important drop goal in the context of the game.
Brad Barritt managed to score a late try that made it a three point game, however they were unable to finish off the game as Willie le Roux almost scored a turn-around try.
We rate the Springboks!
15 Willie le Roux:
Showed some of his known class as an attacking threat but still a bit indecisive at times.
7/10
14 JP Pietersen:
Missed more tackles than he made in a game that was not really tailored for the wings.
4/10
13 Jan Serfontein:
Positive at the tackle situation and was very awake for his intercept try.
7/10
12 Jean de Villiers (captain):
Was very influential in a captains role – ran the play well and was precise in his execution.
7/10
11 Bryan Habana:
He was unlucky on a number occasions, penalties went against him more than once – but he tried hard and chased really well.
5/10
10 Pat Lambie:
Controlled the game exceptionally well, showed great vision for Reinach's try and proved that he is a man with BMT after slotting his drop goal.
8/10
9 Cobus Reinach:
Made a good account of himself in his run on debut – his unheralded kicking game is what really impressed – and of course, that try!
8/10
8 Duane Vermeulen:
A Herculean effort, but did lead to a few penalties, really is the glue and passion of the team.
8/10
7 Schalk Burger:
A menace at the breakdown, seemed to be at every second tackle, solid in his carries and even managed to get his name on the score sheet.
9/10
6 Marcell Coetzee:
Has established himself as a true fetcher, making more than a few crucial turn overs every game and busy throughout.
7/10
5 Victor Matfield:
Was heavily involved in the defensive duties, racking up the tackles even though he spent 10 minutes off the field.
6/10
4 Eben Etzebeth:
A much higher work rate this game from the big man – getting back to his old form hopefully!
8/10
3 Jannie du Plessis:
Still giving away too many penalties but made a fair few tackles and had a decent game.
6/10
2 Adriaan Strauss:
Looked to poach a few balls at the breakdown but could never quite get it right – good in his line-out throwing however.
6/10
1 Tendai Mtawarira:
Struggled at the scrums and also added to the penalty count – was barely involved.
3/10
Replacements:
16 Bismarck du Plessis: (on for Strauss, 60 mins)
An abrasive presence when he came on, he made it tough for England at the breakdown.
6/10
17 Trevor Nyakane: (on for Mtawarira, 74 mins)
Not enough time to be rated.
18 Coenie Oosthuizen: (on for J. Du Plessis, 64 mins)
Very little to do but showed some strength at the breakdowns.
5/10
19 Bakkies Botha: (on for Etzebeth, 64 mins)
Maybe he could have got more involved, but his experience must be a calming factor.
5/10
20 Teboho Mohojé: (on for Burger, 73 mins)
Not enough time to be rated.
21 Francois Hougaard:
Not used.
22 Handré Pollard:
Not used.
23 Cornal Hendricks:
Not used.
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