Player ratings: True grit
The two-time champions looked much more threatening on attack and played with great aggression upfront. They were definitely determined right the wrongs in Birmingham.
Warren Fortune rates the South African players!
15 Willie le Roux
Joined the backline with speed and made more running metres than any other player on the field. His ability to be unpredictable tested the Samoan defence throughout the game.
8/10
14 JP Pietersen
Scored three tries and showed glimpses of his younger self. Definitely one of his best games in a Springbok jersey in years.
9/10
13 Jean de Villiers
His distribution to his outside backs was brilliant and he had a hand in one of the tries. He also held his own on defence.
7/10
12 Damian De Allende
Crossed the gain line every time he got the ball and brushed off a number of Samoan defenders with his big frame. The Springboks will be hoping his injury is not too serious.
8/10
11 Bryan Habana
Consistently looked for work all over the park and beat a number of defenders during the game. He also got on the scoreboard with a great try.
8/10
10 Handré Pollard
Took the ball to the line on a number of occasions and seemed more confident with Fourie du Preez on his inside. He gave his outside backs good ball but he still needs to work on his kicking game.
7/10
9 Fourie du Preez
His quick service at the breakdown gave the Springbok attack direction and he took a lot of pressure off Handré Pollard's shoulders with his tactical kicking. A sublime performance by the veteran.
10/10
8 Duane Vermeulen
Took some time to get into the game but made some good carries in the second half. He also brought some much needed physicality to the Springbok team.
7/10
7 Schalk Burger
Was at his very best and had a work rate that was second to none in the forward pack. A great all round performance by one of South Arica's greatest players.
9/10
6 Francois Louw
Was a menace at the breakdowns throughout the game. He slowed possession down for the Samoans and also put in some big hits on defence.
8/10
5 Victor Matfield
Made his presence felt in the line-out with a few steals and ensured his team got possession on their own throw in. He was also the anchor in a powerful Springbok driving maul.
8/10
4 Eben Etzebeth
His aggression and physicality in the tackle was just what his team needed in the tight exchanges. He also carried the ball into contact well.
8/10
3 Jannie du Plessis
Was poor in the scrums and gave away some silly penalties. His place in the team is not safe.
4/10
2 Adriaan Strauss
Found his line-out jumpers with ease and was also at the forefront of a powerful Springbok pack.
7/10
1 Tendai Mtawarira
Did not have a lot of the ball and was solid in the scrums. He did what was asked of him.
6/10
Replacements:
16 Schalk Brits (On for A Strauss, 67 min)
Not enough time to be rated
17 Trevor Nyakane (On for T Mtawarira, 61 min)
Was solid in the scrum when he came and did not do any damage to his reputation in open play.
6/10
18 Frans Malherbe (On for J du Plessis, 53 min)
Turned the Springboks' fortunes around in the scrum when he came on in the second half and looked like a man possessed with ball in hand.
8/10
19 Lodewyk de Jager (On for V Matfield, 54 min)
Carried the ball strongly and got his team momentum. He also did well in the line-outs.
7/10
20 Siya Kolisi (On for S Burger, 67 min)
Not enough time to be rated.
21 Ruan Pienaar (On for F du Preez, 73 min)
Not enough time to be rated
22 Pat Lambie (On for J de Villiers, 71 min)
Not enough time to be rated.
23 Jesse Kriel (On for D de Allende, 48 min)
His speed in the midfield brought something different to the team in the second half and was a constant threat with the ball. It was a good 38 minutes for the youngster.
7/10
