Player ratings: South Africa

OPINION: South Africa started their ‘international’ campaign with a commanding 54-7 win over the Barbarians in a non-cap game in Cape Town on Saturday.

The Springboks were good value for the margin of the win in very wet conditions.

The rain bucketed down and worsened during the game, which impacted handling and tactics.

It played into the hands of the Boks’ more pragmatic game.

@king365ed rates the South African players!

15 Aphelele Fassi
He look very comfortable in the Green and Gold, a far more assured performance than he gave for the Sharks all year. Started with grubber that resulted in five-metre line-out for Boks and a maul try, followed that up with another sublime grubber that set up the second try for Kolbe.
8/10

14 Cheslin Kolbe
Showed his great finishing ability, but was closely marked by the opposition for large parts. Still found opportunities to make an impact.
8/10

13 Jesse Kriel (captain)
Looked comfortable with the captaincy armband and despite a slow start, came into his own in the second half. Combined well with De Allende.
7/10

12 Damian de Allende
As usual, there were plenty of strong carries. Big hits and a sublime grubber for Arendse try.
7/10

11 Kurt-Lee Arendse
Caused plenty of trouble on the left wing and got involved in midfield plays as well. Even won a turnover.
8/10

10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Showed some great skill early, even winning a turnover. He sold a massive dummy, but then knocked it on. Also kicked directly into touch.
7/10

9 Morné van den Berg
Great covering, but kicking needs work and conceded a couple of penalties. Mixed day at the office.
6/10

8 Jean-Luc du Preez
Wanted to make a point about getting more time in the Green and Gold. However. he was replaced in the 38th minute with an HIA, after being taken out by some friendly fire.
6/10

7 Vincent Tshituka
Marked his first appearance in Green and Gold with two tries. Some big hits in a performance that had Springbok written all over it.
8/10

6 Marco van Staden
Worked hard in the close exchanges and another accomplished performance.
7/10

5 Lood de Jager
Welcome back Lood. He ruled the line-outs, with some great steals, and produced some good carries. There was also some good work on defence.
9/10

4 Jean Kleyn
Showed his class and was also a menace in the line-outs. Solid option at the front of the line-out.
6/10

3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye
Involved early on with some strong carries. Was mostly solid in scrums. He will learn from this experience and grow.
6/10

2 Malcolm Marx
Produced a power play and scored the first try./ He was very active and had a good workrate .
7/10

1 Ox Nche
Made his intentions clear by winning penalty in first scrum. Worked hard outside the set pieces.
7/10

Replacements:

16 Marnus van der Merwe (on for Marx – 45th min)
Made a great impact with his energetic play. His basics were solid.
7/10

17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels (on for Nche – 45th min)
Power play for first try in the second half. Struggled in the scrums.
6/10

18 Neethling Fouche (on for Ntlabakanye – 45th min)
Was solid on defence and had a couple of good carries, but struggled in the set pieces.
6/10

19 Franco Mostert (on for Kleyn – 45th min)
The usual high-tempo and high-energy output.
7/10

20 Kwagga Smith (on for Du Preez – 38th min)
It was an all-action performance from the ultimate bomb-squad player – both on defence and with the ball in hand.
7/10

21 Cobus Reinach (on for Van den Berg – 45th min)
His service was much quicker and brought an attacking display.
8/10

22 Manie Libbok (on for Feinberg-Mngomezulu – 45th min)
With the game over as a contest. he was free to play his normal game. However, it was truly a mixed bag.
6/10

23 Andre Esterhuizen (on for Marco van Staden – 45th min)
Played on the flank and gives new meaning to the term ‘utility’ and offers the Boks alternative options. Still popped up in midfield and the outside channels.
7/10

@king365ed
@rugby365com