Player Ratings: The Snyman and Reinach show
OPINION: South Africa made a big statement during their 66-7 win over Canada.
Rassie Erasmus’ men were ruthless as they ran 10 tries past the Canucks. The win means the Boks book a spot in the quarter-finals.
Leezil Hendricks rates the South African players
15 Damian Willemse
Was constantly looking for work. He made a couple of good runs and managed to beat a few defenders in the process. Also scored his first Test try in a Springboks jersey, certainly a good replacement for Wille Le Roux.
8/10
14 Warrick Gelant
Neatly collected Elton Jantjies’ cross-kick which prompted Cobus Reinach’s try. The utility back also got his name on the scoresheet by battling past a couple of defenders before he touched down.
6/10
13 Damian de Allende
Took his try well and looked comfortable at outside centre. He made a couple of good breaks and got the team over the advantage line. He also scored the Springboks’ first try.
7/10
12 Frans Steyn
Safe in the midfield. He was busy throughout the match and scored an intercept try. His experience really boosted the backline.
8/10
11 Sibusiso Nkosi
Great under the high ball and looked dangerous with ball in the hand. He showed great skills during an offload and scored a try. Certainly made his case for the 11 jersey.
7/10
10 Elton Jantjies
Great support play, the flyhalf missed two kick to posts but made up for it in other areas. His kicks out of hands were impressive and he got the team in the right area. Overall a solid game from the No.10.
8/10
9 Cobus Reinach
The scrumhalf scored the fastest hattrick in World Cup history. He dictated proceedings and his box kicks were executed very well – certainly one his best performance in a Springboks jersey.
9/10
8 Francois Louw
Safe pair of hands and one the best loose forwards on the park. He made a handful of tackles and only missed one.
7/10
7 Albertus Smith
The flank was very quiet and butchered a try with a knock-on. Tried to be more effective in the second-half but struggled with the greasy ball.
6/10
6 Siyamthanda Kolisi (captain)
Similar to Albertus Smith, Kolisi was anonymous and failed to assert himself throughout the game. Made a couple of runs but nothing extraordinary.
6/10
5 Franco Mostert
Made a couple of line-out steals but conceded two unforced penalties in the second half. Nonetheless, the lock has been very good throughout the tournament and just continues to impress with each game.
7/10
4 Rudolph Snyman
On the best players on the park. The lock was in fine form, made a couple of good breaks and boast a few offloads. Despite falling short of the try-line the tall figure set up a couple of tries.
9/10
3 Vincent Koch
Made some good tackles and was solid in the scrums before being replaced after just 50 minutes.
6/10
2 Schalk Brits
Had a niggle or two but managed to hold his own in the scrums. The hooker also scored his second World Cup try – becoming the second-oldest try scorer in Rugby World Cup history.
7/10
1 Thomas du Toit
Scrum well and was very mobile with a couple of strong carries – was certainly an extra advantage on the pitch.
6/10
Replacements:
16 Malcolm Marx (on for Brits, 57th minute)
Ran a excellent line and also directed one rolling maul very well.
5/10
17 Steven Kitshoff (on for Du Toit, 53rd minute)
Made a couple of good carries while he was on the field
6/10
18 Frans Malherbe (on for Koch, 53rd minute)
Was very effective and scored a try thanks to a powerful carry.
6/10
19 Eben Etzebeth
Not used
20 Pieter-Steph du Toit
Not used
21 Herschel Jantjies (on for Reinach, 50th minute)
Kept the fast pace of the game with quick ball from the base. Despite not scoring a try, the replacment generally carried on where Reinach left off.
6/10
22 Handré Pollard (on for De Allende, 62nd minute)
Ran a few good lines and managed to beat a defender in the process.
6/10
23 Willie le Roux.
Not used.
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