Player ratings: Super Subs
The argument about whether to pick experience or form has gone out of the window as the form South African players, who happened to all come off the bench, made a massive difference in securing a massive comeback victory.
Those players – especially Warren Whiteley and Ruan Combrink – brought plenty of confidence onto the field and it showed in the second half performance.
Tauriq Ebrahim rates the Springboks!
15 Willie le Roux
One decent run to assist in a try does not make up for the poor kicking, hopeful passes and lateral running.
2/10
14 JP Pietersen
A mere passenger on the field for majority of the game, who had a brief moments of something good.
4/10
13 Lionel Mapoe
Another satisfactory game with not much flash or anything spectacular.
5/10
12 Damian de Allende
Grew in confidence as the game went along. His second half performance showed what a strong ball carrier he is but leaks way too many tackles on defence.
6/10
11 Lwazi Mvovo
Beyond poor under the high ball and looked completely out of his depth.
1/10
10 Elton Jantjies
Stayed in his shell for the opening half but came out firing in the second and proved why he is the form flyhalf. His injury must certainly still be playing on his mind.
6/10
9 Francois de Klerk
Another live wire performance by the best scrumhalf in the country. Pushed the tempo when he needed to and brilliantly controlled proceedings.
8/10
8 Duane Vermeulen
Attitude is everything and when you walk on the field and "nurse" an injury, you are asking for criticism.
2/10
7 Siya Kolisi
He looked to get involved as much as possible but his overeagerness proved to be his downfall in a below average performance.
4/10
6 Francois Louw
Seemed to be a passenger when the team was under pressure and decided to show up when the team had some form of momentum.
4/10
5 Pieter-Steph du Toit
A strong game by the work horse who put his body on the line whenever he was asked to.
7/10
4 Eben Etzebeth
A steady performance, by means outstanding, but made his tackles when called on.
6/10
3 Frans Malherbe
Had no answer to Jack McGrath at scrum time and his defensive work was poor.
2/10
2 Adriaan Strauss (captain)
Hid himself nicely throughout the game. Plenty of questions remains about his form and must be thanking his lucky stars he has the captain's armband.
3/10
1 Tendai Mtawarira
Scrummed decently but was of no use in other aspects.
2/10
Replacements:
16 Bongi Mbonambi
Not used.
17 Trevor Nyakane (on for Mtawarira, 51st min)
Brought stability to the scrums and kept a cool head during his time on the park.
6/10
18 Julian Redelinghuys (on for Malherbe, 47th min)
A solid performance on his home ground as he helped to settle the scrums.
6/10
19 Franco Mostert (on for Kolisi, 68th min)
What a way to announce yourself to International rugby. Playing with an immense amount of confidence assisted the Boks' come back.
7/10
20 Warren Whiteley (on for Vermeulen, 40th min)
What more can be said than he should be starting at No.8. His presence alone made the world of difference.
8/10
21 Rudy Paige
Not used.
22 Morné Steyn (concussion replacement for Jantjies, 59th min)
Not enough time to be rated.
23 Ruan Combrinck (on for Mvovo, 40th min)
Some strong carries that placed his opponents under severe pressure. Proved why he is the best wing in the country
9/10
