Player Ratings: South Africa

OPINION: The Springboks’ stronghold at Ellis Park was breached in dramatic fashion on Saturday as the Wallabies mounted a remarkable comeback to secure a 38-22 victory.

The reigning world champions appeared to be in full control for most of the match, enjoying a commanding 22-5 lead at the break.

However, a spirited Australian side turned the game on its head, scoring a flurry of tries that left the crowd at Ellis Park in disbelief.

Here is how the Springboks players rated:

15. Aphelele Fassi
The fullback made a solid contribution to the Springbok attack, with several strong carries. His defence still needs refinement, but overall, the ‘Weekend Special’ had a good outing. His absence was felt after he left the field in the 45th minute.
6/10

14. Edwill van der Merwe
Last year, he was living his best Bok fan life from the stands, but this year, he found himself on the pitch. He again showed his incredible talent with the ball, and was solid without it as well. He got the Boks out of trouble on a couple of occasions in the opening quarter. However, in the second half, he had troubles and was also outpaced by Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
6/10

13. Jesse Kriel
Certainly not one of his best performances. He was very quiet on attack and also missed tackles at crucial points, including one that resulted in Australia’s fourth try and the lead.
5/10

12. Andre Esterhuizen
A.K.A. the hybrid – one can simply not underestimate the centre’s talent. He again showed why he’s considered one of the hardest runners in the game, making strong carries. He also boasted two turnovers.
7/10

11. Kurt-Lee Arendse
Because what is a Springbok game without a KLA try? The wing can’t stop scoring. He was a handful on attack, made some lethal linebreaks, and scored the team’s first try. Unfortunately, his second half was disastrous – beaten in the air on a couple of occasions.
5.5/10

10. Manie Libbok
A mixed bag from the flyhalf. His forced pass was intercepted by Suaalii, who outpaced Edwill van der Merwe for Australia’s third try. However, where he truly shone was with his tactical kicking – he should’ve done more of that instead of forcing passes.
5/10

9. Grant Williams
With every performance, he shows that he’s slowly becoming the best scrumhalf in the country. His delivery from the base was crisp, while his box kicking was accurate and elevating his performance. Kept the Boks’ attack in good shape in the first half. He moved to the wing in the closing minutes.
7/10

8. Siya Kolisi (captain)
The captain donned the No.8 jersey for the first time in a Test and celebrated the occasion with a try in the 17th minute. He made six carries and completed five tackles before leaving the field in the 45th minute.
6/10

7. Pieter-Steph du Toit
Made a strong run drawing in a few defenders before offloading to Andre Esterhuizen for the Boks’ second try. He continued to impress in the second half, making multiple offloads. He also boasted a line-out steal.
7/10

6. Marco van Staden
The 29-year-old had to leave the field for an HIA in the 19th minute, but returned. Not over the top, but his workrate was solid, making 11 carries.
6/10

5. Lood de Jager
Showed some great touches and got over the gainline whenever he had the ball. Not the best when it came to a line-out option.
7/10

4. Eben Etzebeth
He was an absolute beast. He topped the carries chart with 14 and also made 16 tackles. Defenders have found a way to keep him intact, but he still managed to get over the advantage line on a couple of occasions. Also led well when he was captain.
8/10

3. Wilco Louw
A very quiet outing by the prop. Along with his fellow props, they did not make much of an impact and seemed like he could not keep up with the speed of the game.
4/10

2. Malcolm Marx
Strong at the defensive breakdown, and his turnover in the 8th minute helped the Springboks extend their lead to 10–0. Lineout throwing was accurate.
6/10

1. Ox Nche
Not the most industrious display from the prop. He did the basics and was okay with scrums.
5/10

Replacements:

16. Bongi Mbonambi (on for Marx, 57 mins)
He was penalised after his first line-out was not straight and was part of a pack that failed to impose themselves.
4/10

17. Boan Venter (on for Nche, 59 mins)
Conceded a penalty at the scrum, which put the team under pressure.
4/10

18. Asenathi Ntlabakanye (on for Louw, 60 mins)
Tried to get into the thick of things with a few carries, but didn’t have much of an impact.
4/10

19. Franco Mostert (on for De Jager, 45 mins)
Showed a couple of good moments in the line-outs, but didn’t change the trajectory of the game.
5/10

20. Kwagga Smith (on for Kolisi, 45 mins)
Eager to make an impact. Made a few strong carries and tried to ignite the Bomb Squad, but was unsuccessful
5/10

21. Cobus Reinach (on for Arendse, 67 mins)
Not enough time to be rated.

22. Canan Moodie (on for Van der Merwe, 59 mins)
Missed a crucial tackle on Tom Wright, which resulted in Australia’s fourth try and a 24–22 lead for the visitors.
3.5/10

23. Damian Willemse (on for Fassi, 51 mins)
His first few minutes were troubling – he overran a move, knocked on, and was well beaten by Tom Wright in a one-on-one for the Wallabies’ sixth try.
3.5/10