Player Ratings: South Africa

OPINION: It was drama in Durban as Ireland pulled off a last-gasp win to square the series after a sneaky drop-goal by Ireland replacement Ciaran Frawley.

The South Africans defended their 24-22 lead in the last 10 minutes of the game forcing a hungry Ireland side to make the step up and claw their way to victory.

The Springboks won three games at the World Cup with one point and they probably had some De Ja Vu.

Annemie Bester rates the South African players.

15 Willie le Roux
Left the field in the second minute of the game after a nasty knock when he got his head on the wrong side of an attempted tackle on James Lowe and left the field in the first minute for a Head Injury Assessment. He failed the HIA and never returned to the game.
Not enough time to be rated.

14 Cheslin Kolbe
Displayed his normal high work rate but never looked like scoring. He defended well but made some mistakes like not rolling away when he did a nice run up-field. He tried to chase down Frawley’s kick but slid into an Irish player. Lost two turn-overs.
6/10

13 Jesse Kriel
Again had a great defensive game, but could not be mistaken for anything particular.
6/10

12 Damian de Allende
Like Kriel, he was strong in defence but his play lacked any creativity, rather opting to crash into opponents. This man never misses a tackle but he failed to get over the advantage line much.
6/10

11 Kurt-Lee Arendse
Had a very quiet game but had no real opportunities as the Boks hardly ever spread the ball wide. He only made one line-break the entire game. Could’ve looked for more work.
5/10

10 Handré Pollard
He had a perfect kicking performance but the Springboks lacked a general at No. 10 and the question is if he is right for the type of attacking game that assistant coach Tony Brown wants to instill in the team. Also lost two turnovers. It was a bruising battle that required a lot of defence and Pollard stood in that regard, but there was no initiative from the flyhalf.
4/10

9 Faf de Klerk
Not his greatest game, as he was a touch slow at the breakdown at times. He defended well but gave away too much possession with his kicks. Was overshadowed by Grant Williams when he was replaced.
5/10

8 Kwagga Smith
Much better from Smith compared to last weekend. He did well to storm down a kick and raced for the tryline but he was on his own and the ball was stolen. His defensive work was top-notch. He had 11 carries which is high for Smith.
7/10

7 Pieter-Steph du Toit
Like always he was hunting down his targets all night long and made the second-most tackles of the game (14). Unfortunately, he got penalised for blocking an Irish runner and Crowley landed the kick. Just before half-time, he made a massive try-saving tackle on the sideline. Did not manage to get over the gainline.
8/10

6 Siya Kolisi (captain)
He worked hard at the rucks but did not have the physical presence he did a week ago. He was too quiet and left the field in the 50th minute. A far cry from the dents he made last weekend.
6/10

5 Franco Mostert
He left the field in the 16th minute with a knee injury after he also left the field for blood early on.
Not enough time to be rated.

4 Eben Etzebeth
The Irish got their first points for an offside penalty against him. He had his first blood replacement in the eighth minute and again in the 71st. Despite that, he was physical as always and did immense work on defence.
6/10

3 Frans Malherbe
He kept the South African pack solid in the scrums, and defended well but did not do much more as the Springboks were made to defend for large parts of the game. Unlike last weekend, he remained in the shadows.
6/10

2 Bongi Mbonambi
His overthrow in the third line-out of the game resulted in a try to Ireland. With immaculate jumpers like Du Toit, Snyman and Etzebeth in the mix, it is not good enough. He did the job in the scrums but other than that fairly quiet.
5/10

1 Ox Nche
Had a Man of the Match performance with an all-round performance. Had a massive scrum winning a penalty in the 18th minute and minutes later he managed to catch a loose ball and get out quickly to Pollard. He was the Boks’ best on the night. He made nine tackles and is by far the first-choice loosehead.
8/10

Replacements:

16 Malcolm Marx
Big play from the Hulk with accurate throws in the lineouts and strong in defence. He made a huge difference went he entered the fray in the 45th minute.
7/10

17 Gerhard Steenekamp
He continued where he left off last weekend when he went on in the 56th minute with a strong showing in the scrums and secured a scrum penalty with his first scrum of the night. But he is still in the shadows of the almighty Ox.
6/10

18 Vincent Koch
Went on in the 45th minute. He worked hard in the set pieces and did his bit in terms of tackles but other than that a very quiet. This door is open for anyone willing to grab an opportunity
5/10

19 Salmaan Moerat
Not enough time to be rated.

20 RG Snyman
He replaced Etzebeth in the eighth minute and then immediately stepped in to stand in for the injured Mostert upon Etzebeth’s return. He made ten tackles and made his presence felt.
7/10

21 Marco van Staden
Marco van Staden carried the ball up solidly and brought the big hits but unfortunately knocked the ball with his third carry up-field. That was unforgivable.
5/10

22 Grant Williams
Replaced De Klerk in the 44th minute and was simply brilliant. This performance might earn him a start. At one stage he threw a dummy, sent the ball downfield, and chased his kick to bungle the replacement fullback into touch.
8/10

23 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Came on for the injured Le Roux in the second minute. He was exceptional in the second half after the nerves settled. He kicked, chased, and also a few nice runs. He was solid, calm, and reliable and showed he will never disappoint the Boks. He is a man for the future.
8/10