Player rating: Lambs to the slaughter
Tolkin may have had his reasons -0 and good reasons they may well be – but apart from periods in the first half the US Eagles were like lambs to the slaughter.
Some individuals did themselves proud, but as a team they were totally outclassed and the 0-64 scoreline is a bit flattering.
Jan de Koning rates the United States players!
15 Blaine Scully:
Had a couple of impressive runs with ball in hand, but was also found wanting on defence.
5/10
14 Brett Thompson:
Struggled to make inroads into the Springbok defence and also concede a couple of penalties, but made most of his tackles.
5/10
13 Folau Niua:
One really impressive break in the first half and was a rock on defence.
6/10
12 Andrew Suniula:
Worked hard for very little return, Made a number of crucial tackles.
6/10
11 Zach Test:
Quickly found out the difference between Sevens and the 15-man game, although his defence can't be faulted.
5/10
10 Shalom Suniula:
Only one half-decent break. Steady rather than spectacular.
5/10
9 Niku Kruger:
He must have enjoyed playing against his compatriots. Showed some nice touches and clearly still understand Afrikaans very well.
6/10
8 Samu Manoa (captain):
Was his team's most used and most effective ball carrier. Made all his tackles and contributed in the line-outs.
7/10
7 John Quill:
Was a monster on defence and did not stand back for the big Bok bruisers up front, but conceded a few too many breakdown offences.
7/10
6 Danny Barrett:
Was largely anonymous and his workrate was very poor.
3/10
5 Matthew Trouville:
Was ineffective when he carried the ball and badly outplayed by his more illustrious opponents.
4/10
4 Louis Stanfill:
One of the few American forwards who stood his ground, but unfortunately conceded too many penalties.
6/10
3 Chris Baumann:
Not up to international standard in the set pieces, but made a heap of tackles.
5/10
2 Phil Thiel:
He was ineffective with ball in hand and his set-piece play needs work. However, worked very hard on defence.
6/10
1 Oliver Kilifi:
Some decent carries, but his defence was shocking.
4/10
Replacements:
16 Joe Taufetee (on for Thiel, 72 min):
Not enough time to be rated.
17 Zach Fenoglio (on for Trouville, 70 min):
Not enough time to be rated.
18 Mate Moeakiola (on for Kilifi, 58 min):
Made no impact whatsoever.
4/10
19 Titi Lamositele:
Not used.
20 Cam Dolan (on for Manoa, 48 min):
America lost the physicality of their captain, but Dolan's work on defence can't be faulted.
5/10
21 Al McFarland (on for Barrett, 57 min):
Another player who was way out of his depth.
4/10
22 Mike Petri:
Not used.
23 Chris Wyles (on for Scully in 22 min – for concussion test – off in 26 min; back on in 71 min):
Not enough time to be rated.
