Player ratings - South Africa
OPINION: The Springboks managed to sneak into the final of the World Cup thanks again to Handre Pollard but it was certainly ugly.
The starting XV were lethargic, slow and full of mistakes.
The bomb squad made the difference, spearheaded by Ox Nche, the silent assassin.
This is how we scored the Springboks:
1 Steven Kitshoff -5/10
Replaced by Ox Nche after 50 minutes and immediately the Springbok scrum went forward. Worked hard but the pressure from England forced the Springbok forwards on the backfoot.
2 Bongi Mbonambi – 5.5/10
His line-out throwing was poor. When he took over as captain, he took a step up, communicating with the referee and consulting with the other seniors on the field. On the day probably a better captain than Kolisi.
3 Frans Malherbe – 5.5/10
Left the field in the 55th minute, replaced by Vincent Koch. Tried hard but the mauls and rucks were a mess and struggled to get ascendancy in the scrums.
4 Eben Etzebeth – 5.5/10
Struggling in the line-outs, allowing the England players to disrupt, not listening to the referee to wait, storming a ball behind the England scrum and getting penalised. His workrate was high again, but in rainy conditions, a tough job to do. Replaced by Snyman three minutes into the second half.
5 Franco Mostert -5/10
Lost the ball on the way to the try-line early in the first half, worked extremely hard but made too many mistakes, especially in the wet conditions.
6 Siya Kolisi – 5/10
Penalised for playing the ball on the ground, granting Farrell another three points in front of the uprights. Decided to kick for the corner instead of going for points after trailing 0-6 and should have gone for posts. Third penalty against South Africa again the fault of the captain, not attempting to roll away, allowing England to pile up the points. Left the field after 50 minutes. His leadership was found wanting.
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit – 6/10
Got an early penalty in the second minute playing the ball on the ground, allowing Farrell to have a shot at goal and get England on the scoreboard. Forever the workhorse he played the full 80 minutes.
8 Duane Vermeulen – 5/10
The old man struggled, was driven back in defence, not making metres to cross the advantage line. Replaced by Kwagga Smith after 50 minutes.
9 Cobus Reinach – 4/10
Not playing with urgency and at full pace, his kicks from behind the scrum did not make metres, going straight up in the air. Replaced by Faf de Klerk early in the second half.
10 Manie Libbok – 3/10
Landed his first kick at goal – replaced after 30 minutes. His tactical kicking was not on point and forgot he had outside backs.
11 Cheslin Kolbe – 7/10
One of the best performers on the field, brilliant under the high ball, the only back to play his heart out, popping up all over in defence and attack, always in his position to defend.
12 Damian de Allende – 5/10
The centre just defended but he was very quiet and had very few opportunities to attack.
13 Jesse Kriel – 5/10
Strong in defence but no opportunities to speak of. Missed the first pass he got on attack after 55 minutes of play.
14 Kurt-Lee Arendse – 5/10
He chased hard, making metres. Made a huge mistake metres from the Springbok tryline, not controlling the ball, knocking it on.
15 Damian Willemse – 5/10
He threw a wild ball resulting in putting England on attack, roll-kick by Farrell into the corner completely caught him off guard. Just too many mistakes from Willemse.
16 Deon Fourie – 7/10
Replaced Kolisi after 50 minutes and made an immediate impact, getting the Springboks on the front foot. He worked hard to keep and recycle the ball. The fierce and committed replacement stormed ahead to send Snyman over for the Springboks.
17 Ox Nche – 8/10
He replaced Kitshoff after 50 minutes. He is the most destructive prop in the world. He made an immediate impact, not only in his first scrum but also defence. The moment he entered the fray, South Africa elevated their dominance in the scrums.
18 Vincent Koch – 6/10
He replaced Malherbe after 55 minutes. Together with Nche they overpowered the England scrum.
19 RG Snyman – 6/10
He replaced Etzebeth three minutes into the second half. He lost the ball in a four-man line-out. But made up when he took a beautiful ball in the line-out after a corner kick by Pollard and scored South Africa’s try in the 68th minute.
20 Kwagga Smith – 6.5/10
He entered the fray after 50 minutes. As always again hard working with strong defence.
21 Faf de Klerk – 5/10
He replaced Reinach early in the second half but was not much better. Often found lacking behind rucks, while his passing under pressure was not on point, putting his backs under pressure.
22 Handre Pollard – 9/10
He replaced Libbok after 30 minutes and kicked his first aim at goal with ease. Took control of proceedings, finding a magnificent touch finder on the corner flag, resulting in Snyman’s try. Stepped up for another pressure penalty kick in the 77th minute to again win the game for South Africa. South Africa owes him for getting them to the final.
23 Willie le Roux – 4/10
A kick through by Kolbe gave South Africa a chance to score but Le Roux kicked the ball over the dead ball line. Decision making was not on point, kicking a cross kick, meant for Kolbe, straight into the hands of Englands’ Jonny May.
