Player Ratings: South Africa
OPINION: The Springboks’ second-half performance proved too strong as they recorded a statement 32-17 win over France in Paris on Saturday night.
Talk of revenge dominated much of the build-up to the match, but nothing was quite as special and significant as captain Siya Kolisi becoming the ninth Springbok centurion when he led his team out.
For much of the match, it looked as though France were going to spoil the party. However, an electric second half, which included three tries, saw South Africa produce a stunning comeback.
Leezil Hendricks rates the Springboks players.
15 Damian Willemse
The fullback returned to the starting line-up following a hamstring injury, and it was clear he was a little rusty. He struggled with the pace of the game and attempted a few tactical kicks that didn’t come off. Willemse left the field in the 56th minute.
5/10
14 Cheslin Kolbe
After featuring at fullback against Japan last week, Kolbe returned to his preferred wing position. Once a crowd favourite during his time at Toulouse, he was met with a frosty reception after his famous charge-down on former club teammate Thomas Ramos during the 2023 World Cup. Closely monitored by the French defence, Kolbe found limited opportunities with ball in hand. Far from his usual high standards.
6/10
13 Jesse Kriel
A quiet evening for the centre, who did noe see much of the ball. Despite missing one or two crucial tackles in the first half. He improved in the closing minutes limiting the French attack also made a solid runs.
6.5/10
12 Damian de Allende
He collected the kick-offs well and was constantly looking for work, he made several carries. Left the field in the 47th minute.
6/10
11 Kurt-Lee Arendse
Won the first aerial contest but, like Kolbe, saw little of the ball. Made only five carries and one line break, though he remained eager to get involved. Was also found in no man’s land in the build-up to Damian Penaud’s early try.
5.5/10
10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
The only change to the backline from the 29-28 win in the 2023 World Cup quarterfinal at the same venue. His kicking from the tee was inconsistent, but he looked more assured when shifted to fullback in the 56th minute, where he ran confidently and scored a try.
7/10
9 Cobus Reinach
The scrumhalf’s decision-making was good, and his brilliant individual try – chipping ahead from the back of a scrum and regathering to score – sparked the comeback.
8.5/10
8 Jasper Wiese
Solid and strong. The No.8 worked hard at the base of the scrum and topped the carry count with 18.
8/10
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit
Not his tidiest start, with two early errors putting pressure on the team. But as always, his work rate was immense. He made nine tackles and was influential in the closing stages.
7/10
6 Siya Kolisi (captain)
In true Kolisi fashion, the captain sacrificed himself for the team after Lood de Jager’s red card. It slightly dampened the moment as he celebrated his 100th cap. Kolisi carried well and tried to lift his side but struggled to make an impact at the breakdown.
5/10
5 Lood de Jager
A nightmare outing. Forced off in the 10th minute for an HIA, he returned in the 22nd and pulled off a crucial line-out steal before half-time. However, in a very controversial decision, his attempted tackle on Thomas Ramos earned him a permanent red card in the 39th minute.
3/10
4 Eben Etzebeth
Worked hard defensively but did not impose himself in his 47 minutes on the field. He made seven tackles and won a turnover. Limited involvement on attack, though.
6/10
3 Thomas du Toit
With Frans Malherbe sidelined, Du Toit continues to grow into the tighthead role. He missed a few tackles but won a scrum penalty and two turnovers – a solid overall shift.
7/10
2 Malcolm Marx
Outstanding. Accurate with his line-out throws, powerful over the ball, and provided a try assist. A class performance from the hooker.
9/10
1 Boan Venter
A tough assignment filling in for the injured Ox Nche. Struggled early and was replaced in the 31st minute.
4/10
Replacements
16. Johan Grobbelaar (on for Marx, 77th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
17. Gerhard Steenekamp (on for Venter, 31st minute)
He immediately made an impact as part of a successful scrum that set up the Springboks’ first try, scored by Cobus Reinach. He also completed six tackles.
7/10
18. Wilco Louw (on for Du Toit, 47th minute)
Part of a front row that produced solid scrums and contributed well in the mauls.
6/10
19. RG Snyman (on for Etzebeth, 47th minute)
A handful with ball in hand and effective in the set-pieces. Forced the offloads a bit too much at times, but overall a decent outing.
7/10
20. Ruan Nortje (on for Kolisi, 40th minute)
Had to enter the field in the 10th minute after Lood de Jager went off for an HIA. The Bulls captain returned in the second half, this time replacing Siya Kolisi after De Jager received a permanent red card. He made a solid impact, completing seven tackles and several strong carries.
7.5/10
21. André Esterhuizen (on for De Allende, 47th minute)
The hybrid centre-flanker added much-needed physicality to the loose trio and scored from a maul to hand the Springboks an 18-17 lead.
8/10
22. Grant Williams (on for Reinach, 59th minute)
The attack looked sharper with him in control, providing fast and crisp service from the base. Linked up superbly with Libbok and capped it off with a well-taken try.
8.5/10
23. Manie Libbok (on for Willemse, 56th minute)
His first touch was disastrous – a charged-down kick that led to a French penalty, converted by Ramos. Nevertheless, he recovered well, dictating play with smart tactical kicks, and his cross-kicks opened up the backline beautifully in the final quarter.
7.5/10
