OPINION: It was a comeback of epic proportions as the Springboks secured a hard-fought 31-27 win over the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Trailing at 17-27 with 15 minutes to go the Springboks scored two late tries for the victory.
It was far from perfect, but their three tries were enough.
How the Springboks players rated.
15 Aphelele Fassi
In the week, Rassie Erasmus said it was time for Fassi to shine and show why he deserved his spot in the Springboks jersey and the ‘Weekend Special’ certainly showed intent in the opening minutes. He made a couple of brilliant tackles in the first four minutes of the match. However, that was quickly eclipsed by a yellow card in the sixth minute – during his time in the sinbin the All Blacks scored their first try of the match. He managed to brush off the early setback to produce a much better second half, contesting well in the air.
6/10
The star wing had his work cut out for him with his opposite number Caleb Clark making some strong runs. However, in true Kolbe fashion, the star did not panic and he put in an industrious shift. He would have loved to get his hands on some more ball, but when he had possession he made an impact, beating a defender. The highlight was his run which toppled Scott Barrett.
7/10
13 Jesse Kriel
It was not his best performance but the centre was a vital figure in the defence, completing a handful of tackles. He misread Caleb Clarke’s run which led to his try but overall Kriel tried to spark an attack which was just not up to standard.
7/10
12 Damian de Allende
Although not a commanding performance from the centre, he was still one of the standouts in the backline for the Springboks. He completed nine tackles and made two good turnovers. Despite the loose pass into Jordie Barrett’s arms, De Allende was solid.
7.5/10
11 Kurt-Lee Arendse
A fairly quiet outing for the wing, who unfortunately did not get the time and space he would have liked. He left the field in the 48th minute after he sustained a head knock in his attempt to tackle Rieko Ioane.
4/10
10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
It was a mixed bag for the 22-year-old. He failed to dictate the encounter and that will certainly come with experience. He got timed out by the clock for his conversion attempt and missed an easy kick at the end of the match. He also kicked the ball out of the full and missed a drop goal attempt. However, the 22-year-old had sublime moments as well. He slotted a marvellous 60-metre penalty kick and in the closing stages. his tactical kicks put the All Blacks under pressure and set up the match-winning try.
8/10
9 Cobus Reinach
It was his first start against the All Blacks in his career and he was far from his usual attacking threat. His passing from the base was a little slow and allowed TJ Perenara to out him under loads of pressure. He was replaced by Grant Williams in the second half.
4/10
8 Jasper Wiese
Making his first appearance of the season after suspension, the No.8 delivered a very good performance. The Leicester Tiger man made eight good carries. He was just as impressive on the other side of the ball completing 7 of 7 tackles and winning two turnovers. Certainly, a workhorse, who loves to get stuck into the rucks and the physical exchanges.
8.5/10
7 Ben-Jason Dixon
Also, a mixed bag for the flank, who was utilised at the line-outs but failed to make an impact. He also forced an offload which eventually led to the All Blacks’ second try. He left the field in the 38th minute for Ruan Nortje.
5/10
6 Siya Kolisi (captain)
Was eager to get involved and made a few strong carries. However, the captain went missing on a few occasions but remained an integral part of the team’s fight. He eventually left the field in the closing quarter of the match with a concussion.
6.5/10
5 Ruan Nortje
It was his first game against the All Blacks and he did not disappoint. He put in a tough shift. He left the field in the 25th minute, however rejoined in the closing stages. He was enormous in the line-outs and certainly a solid shift.
8/10
4 Pieter-Steph du Toit
This man continues to show why is the best rugby player in the world. It was another brilliant performance by the utility forward, who had to switch between second row and the back row. Utilized as the main line-out jumper, he put loads of pressure on All Blacks. He also had a line-out steal and was solid in defence completing 11 tackles.
9/10
3 Frans Malherbe
Aside from the solid scrums that Malherbe is known for, the prop was effective around the park. He completed eight tackles, a solid outing.
6/10
2 Bongi Mbonambi
The hooker is certainly very fortunate that his try was not chalked off after his knock-on on the line. Nonetheless, he was solid when it came to set-pieces, finding his jumpers with ease.
7/10
1 Ox Nche
Part of a pack that was effective in the scrums, Nche was another solid figure. While he likes to make his strong carries his defence was the crucial component as he completed all his six tackle attempts.
6/10
Replacements:
16 Malcolm Marx (on for Bonambi, 44)
He missed his jumpers on a few occasions but was effective on the park. He made a solid and carries and made a crucial turnover.
6/10
17 Gerhard Steenekamp (on for Nche, 44)
Initially did a good job in supporting Etzebeth in the lift from kick-off, but immediately conceded a penalty for not supporting his body weight. However, he was solid and was part of the Bomb Squad that managed to halt the All Blacks’ attack with his incredible defence.
8/10
18 Vincent Koch (on for Malherbe, 44)
Koch really likes his role as a replacement. He added the much-needed second wind, as he scrums well and was part of an effective rolling maul.
7/10
19 Eben Etzebeth (on for Nortje, 25)
He was introduced in the 26th minute of the match and made an impact immediately, just like the South African public expected from their enforcer. He dominated the collisions. He made strong tackles and was effective at the line-out.
8.5/10
20 Elrigh Louw (on for Wiese, 44th minute)
It was certainly big shoes to fill in the shape of Jasper Wiese, however, the Bulls player showed his grit and abrasiveness. He was used to collect the ball from the kick-off, the replacement was solid on both sides of the ball.
7/10
21 Kwagga Smith (on for Nortje, 50th minute)
His introduction saw Du Toit move to lock again. The flank proved to be a super sub as he scored the crucial try to narrow the deficit to just three points. He also won key turnovers and made strong tackles
8/10
22 Grant Williams (on for Reinach, 44th minute)
He injected a bit more pace into the Boks’ attack. He was accurate with passing and scored the match-winning try. He really made a case for the No.9 jersey next week.
7.5/10
23 Handre Pollard (on for Arendse, 48th minute)
A very quiet performance from the star. Clearly still finding his feet in his new role. However, he made a solid contribution to the cause.
6/10
