Player ratings: Monumental meltdown
The Springboks slumped to a fortuitous 16-all draw in Mendoza on Saturday to all but hand the Rugby Championship to the All Blacks.
The two-time world champions were overwhelmed by the passionate Pumas and their ardent fans and imploded in devastating fashion.
Had it not been for Frans Steyn’s try against the run of play, Argentina would likely have had more reason to celebrate.
Quintin van Jaarsveld rates the Springbok players.
15 Zane Kirchner
Joined the line well and solid under the high ball.
6/10
14 Bryan Habana
Chased kicks well and looked threatening with ball in hand before being taken off as a precautionary.
6/10
13 Jean de Villiers
One clean break aside, the Bok captain was much too lateral on attack.
5.5/10
12 Frans Steyn
The best Bok by a country mile and he missed two penalties. He saved the day with his charge-down and showed good composure to scoop up the ball and score.
7/10
11 Lwazi Mvovo
His chasing wasn’t up to standard, which in the context of the Boks’ game plan, is his primary job.
5/10
10 Morné Steyn
Didn’t kick his penalties and didn’t take authority. With everyone from Frans Steyn to Adriaan Strauss acting as first receiver, he needed to step up and take control.
4/10
9 Francois Hougaard
Still too slow to the breakdown and clearing from the base.
5/10
8 Willem Alberts
Bit late to arrive at the rucks but once there he cleaned out with reckless abandon.
5/10
7 Jacques Potgieter
Ironically one of his better Tests. Committed and high workrate. His 12 tackles were the most by any Springbok.
6/10
6 Marcell Coetzee
Struggled to provide the go-forward he’s become renowned for.
5.5/10
5 Andries Bekker
Described by Nick Mallett as 'disgraceful' and rightly so. Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe outsmarted him in the line-outs and he couldn’t stomach it. His body language when substituted said it all.
4/10
4 Eben Etzebeth
A physical force but his inexperience showed in the manner he lost his cool by the off-the-ball tactics of the wily Argentine.
6/10
3 Jannie du Plessis
Hit the rucks with velocity and really gave his all in the tight loose.
6/10
2 Adriaan Strauss
Shirked responsibility in the tight loose by constantly standing off.
5/10
1 Tendai Mtawarira
Was outgrafted by a 35-year-old.
5/10
Replacements:
16 Tiaan Liebenberg (on for Strauss,76th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
17 Pat Cilliers (on for Du Plessis, 68th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
18 Flip van der Merwe (on for Bekker, 49th minute)
Replaces Bekker and sets the tone for another ineffective cameo by taking the line-out jumper out of the air in his first act.
5/10
19 Keegan Daniel (on for Coetzee, 65th minute)
Not enough time to be rated.
20 Ruan Pienaar (on for Habana, 57th minute)
First poor showing for the Boks this year as he missed a couple of tackles.
5/10
21 Pat Lambie
Not used.
22 JJ Engelbrecht
Not used.
