Player Ratings: South Africa

OPINION: The Springboks wrapped up their November Test Series in emphatic style, crushing Wales 73-0 in Cardiff on Saturday.

It was an incredible performance from the world champions, who handed Wales their heaviest home defeat in history. Rassie Erasmus’ side crossed the try line 11 times without reply, showcasing ruthless efficiency and attacking brilliance.

The only blemish on an otherwise perfect day came late, when Eben Etzebeth was shown a red card for putting his finger in an opponent’s eye – a disappointing end to a dominant display.

Check out how the Springboks rated:

15 Damian Willemse
Form is temporary; class is permanent – and Willemse embodies that mantra. The double World Cup winner once again showed his elite reading of the game from the back. Calm under the high ball, sharp with his distribution, and creator of the Ethan Hooker try with a beautifully timed offload. He also saved his team on numerous occasions. His next outing in green and gold will mark his 50th Test, and he looks every inch the player worthy of that milestone.
9.5/10

14 Ethan Hooker
After operating at centre against Italy and missing out on Ireland, Hooker returned on the wing and proved why he’s considered a star of the near future. He claimed a towering high ball in the opening minute and remained electric throughout, consistently dominating aerial contests. His try capped a performance full of hunger, ferocious tackling, and relentless work rate.
8/10

13 Damian de Allende
Usually stationed at inside centre, De Allende shifted to No.13 and took the role in stride. He delivered a powerful, composed performance – carrying with intent, fixing defenders, and supplying the steady momentum the Boks needed. A reminder of his versatility and rugby intelligence.
7/10

12 Andre Esterhuizen
Back in his preferred inside centre berth after a stint shadowing as a flank, Esterhuizen returned to doing what he does best: punching holes. With trademark power and directness, he repeatedly put South Africa on the front foot. A hybrid athlete with a rare skillset, and once again a handful for defenders. His workrate did not deteriorate in the second half. Also covering in the pack,  he scored a try and also had a couple of turnovers. Simply incredible.
10/10

11 Canan Moodie
A shaky first touch, completely missing his own grubber attempt. Also couple of missed tackles; however, that didn’t define his outing. The rangy wing steadied himself, offering composure with his athletic presence. He scored an incredible individual try, putting in two well-timed grubbers before scoring.
6.5/10

10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
One can’t talk about the November Test Series’ success without this man. The 23-year-old, whether you like him or not, is a great talent. He struggled with his kicking last week against Ireland in Dublin, but this week he was much better, slotting most of his kicks and only missing two from the tee. He looked lethal whenever he had the ball in hand, making breaks and finding holes in Wales’ defence. His quick thinking also saw him take a tap, beat a few defenders, and score a try.  The star had his brace in the 63rd minute. One flaw is that he forced a couple of cross-field kicks, which did not find the target.
10/10

9 Morne van den Berg
The Lions scrumhalf is enjoying his time with the Springboks and one can see it on the field. Getting the nod ahead of Cobus Reinach, the No.9 made some good decisions on the pitch. His high balls gave Wales plenty of headaches, and he kept his cool. He also scored a try, before making way for Cobus Reinach in the 50th minute.
8/10

8 Jasper Wiese
One of those players who simply doesn’t know how not to bump and throw tacklers away. His relentless physicality made Wales’ afternoon very unpleasant. The No.8 also scored a very easy try at the back of a powerful scrum.
9.5/10

7 Franco Mostert
Replacing Pieter-Steph du Toit is not an easy task, but the utility forward did his job and more. He made strong carries, which helped the Springboks get over the gain line after missing the Irish Test following a controversial red card that was later rescinded. He was also used as a jumper at line-outs.
8/10

6 Siya Kolisi (captain)
The captain has had great joy throughout the November Test Series, and leading the team to a flawless outgoing tour just adds to his already impressive résumé. In terms of his performance, he put in strong carries and led well.
7/10

5 Ruan Nortje
The Bulls captain has been one of the standouts throughout the outgoing tour. While both No.5 locks, Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert, copped red cards during their appearances, Nortje avoided that fate and is working hard to make the jersey his own. His work rate was simply incredible throughout the 80 minutes, and he finally scored his first international try in the 69th minute. A well-deserved score for the Nortje.
10/10

4 Jean Kleyn
He looked rusty against Italy; however, this time around, he was more himself. He asserted himself more in the physical exchanges and showed his aggression with his tackles.
7/10

3 Wilco Louw
The prop was part of the very new front-row combination. While the strong Bulls front row usually plays together, this was their first time in the green and gold. He won a scrum penalty at a crucial moment and continued to dominate the Welsh in open play. He also scored a try.
9/10

2 Johan Grobbelaar
He was penalised on two occasions at scrum time, but made up for it with his accurate line-out throws.
7.5/10

1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Part of the all-Bulls front row, the prop helped drive the scrum and stood up to the challenge in the physical exchanges. He scored the Springboks’ first try after a great scrum set the team up in the right area.
8/10

Replacements: 

16 Bongi Mbonambi (on for Grobbelaar, 50th minute)
Came on with the Springboks cruising at 49-0 and slotted seamlessly into the momentum. Hit his jumpers cleanly at line-out time and contributed to a dominant scrummaging effort.
7/10

17 Zachary Porthen (on for Steenekamp, 50th minute)
A tighthead by trade, Porthen shifted to loosehead without showing the slightest discomfort. Carried strongly and added a sturdy presence to the set-piece.
7/10

18 Asenathi Ntlabakanye (on for Louw, 50th minute)
Another front-rower maintaining the standard. Scrummed with authority and earned a penalty, continuing the Bok tradition of impact props.
7/10

19 Eben Etzebeth (on for Kleyn, 50th minute)
Made an immediate statement with a spectacular aerial take in the 66th minute, asserting control in the air. Capped his cameo with a try. However, he lost his cool and was handed a red card for eye-gouging in the 78th minute.
6/10

20 Marco van Staden (on for Kolisi, 50th minute)
Threw himself into the physical exchanges and carried with power. Played a key role in helping Nortje crash over for his try. A typically industrious shift from the energetic flanker.
8/10

21 Ben-Jason Dixon (on for Wiese, 52nd minute)
Delivered a tidy, no-fuss performance. Made his tackles, worked hard, and ensured the Boks didn’t lose intensity, even if he didn’t produce any standout moments.
6.5/10

22 Kwagga Smith (on for Kleyn, 52nd minute)

Assumed the captaincy on arrival and made an impact immediately. Played a key part in Esterhuizen’s try and was ferocious on defence. A relentless spark off the bench.
8.5/10

23 Cobus Reinach (on for van den Berg, 51st minute)
Celebrated his 50th Test with a composed, classy outing. Exploited tiring Welsh legs with sharp service and pinpoint box kicks, keeping the pressure firmly on the host.
7/10