Player Ratings: Outwit and Outsmart
OPINION: South Africa will have to readjust their tactics following the final November Test match against Wales.
The Springboks suffered an 11-20 defeat to Wales at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.
Handre Pollard got South Africa on the scoreboard with a penalty before Jesse Kriel crossed for a try early in the second-half and Elton Jantjies rounded off the tally.
Leezil Hendricks rates the South African players
15 Willie le Roux
The fullback failed to inspire the back three and was not very effective on attack. He forced passes that placed his team under pressure. However, he made a try-scoring pass to Jesse Kriel in the 56th minute.
5/10
23 Cheslin Kolbe,
The wing causes an uproar in the Welsh defence with his snipping line-breaks. However, he was caught in no man’s land on one occasion.
7/10
13 Jesse Kriel
The centre’s defence was exposed early in the game as Liams Williams slipped through his hands for Wales’s second try of the match. Nonetheless, Kriel did well to round of the Springboks’ first try in the 56th minute.
5/10
12 Damian de Allende,
After his impressive match against England, many had hoped the centre finally regained his illusive match form however he failed to imposed himself and was replaced at the start of the second half.
4/10
11 Aphiwe Dyantyi,
The wing was on mute for the majority of the match. He made one noteworthy run in the first half but it seems like he had a hard time with George North as an opposition. He also struggled when it came to the aerial battle an area which was exploited by Wales.
4/10
10 Handré Pollard,
The flyhalf is a liability when it comes to kicking to posts, missed a crucial penalty kick which placed extra pressure on the team and also failed to control and dictate the match. However, he did look much better when he switch to 12 in the second-half.
5/10
9 Embrose Papier,
Far from good, however, it was a solid performance by Papier. The scrumhalf had a try-scoring opportunity but a handling error halted his individual work. Also, a few questionable loose passes and box kicks by the 21-year-old.
5/10
8 Duane Vermeulen
Literally took the captaincy role which was certainly needed. The No.8 conceded on a penalty but an overall good performance with seven carries and a turnover.
7/10
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit,
The flank always give his best on the field whether at lock of flank but this performance was very uncharacteristic. Seems like the flank was more focus on attack and did not contest the breakdown. He crossed the line in the opening stages of the match (but the try was disallowed) and found himself on the wing – more than one occasion. He also conceded two penalties which just adds to his unusual below par performance.
5/10
6 Siyamthanda Kolisi (captain)
The captain made six runs but defensively was vulnerable as he missed three tackles. His decision-making as captain warranted scrutiny, most of the time it was evident that Duane Vermeulen was calling the shots instead of Kolisi.
4/10
5 Franco Mostert
A very physical performance by the lock. He was in the thick of things and his defence and patience were truly tested. However, made 14 tackles and nine carries during his 80 minutes on the field.
6/10
4 Rudolf Snyman
Not enough time to be rated. Left the field after 11 minutes due to an HIA
3 Frans Malherbe
Was not very influential and had trouble when it came to scrums and appeared tired. However he completed his four tackles before leaving the field after 46 minutes.
3/10
2 Malcolm Marx,
One thing that stood out in the hooker’s performance was that horrendous one-on-one tackle with Ellis Jenkins which resulted in Wales’ first try. However, the hooker made up for it with his work-rate at the breakdown. He made six tackles and won three turnovers.
5/10
1 Steven Kitshoff
Gave his opposition Tomas Francis a gruelling time at the scrums and boast with a flawless tackle rate of seven.
6/10
Replacements:
16 Mbongeni Mbonambi (on for Marx, 53rd minute)
The hooker added the extra element to line-outs and South Africa also produced two vital rolling mauls when he took the field.
5/10
17 Thomas du Toit (on for Kitshoff, 52nd minute)
He quickly forced his physicality into proceedings as his first action was a scrum which he dominated. The prop also forced three turnovers.
7/10
18 Vincent Koch (on for Malherbe, 46th minute)
Made a big difference in the scrums and made some strong carries.
5/10
19 Eben Etzebeth (On for Snyman, 11th minute)
The lock made an early appearance courtesy of Snyman’s HIA. One of the hard workers in the Springboks side. Was also in the middle of a few off-the-ball altercations. MAde nine carries and made all his tackles (8)
7/10
20 Francois Louw (on for Vermeulen, 64th minute)
Was determined to make a difference and went onto make two carries.
5/10
21 Ivan van Zyl, (on for Papier, 50th minute)
The scrumhalf was a little bit too eager and conceded a silly penalty inside his own 22 on the 71-minute mark and made ineffective kicks.
4/10
22 Elton Jantjies (on for De Allende, 45th minute)
His kicks proved to vital as it made sure the Springboks find their way inside Wales’ 22. The replacement also took over the kicking duties and narrowed the deficit after 63 minutes of play. Appeared calm which the Boks needed.
5/10
26 Damian Willemse (on for Dyantyi, 76th minute)
Note enough time to be rated
By Leezil Hendricks
@Leezil07
@rugby365com
