Willem Alberts was the Man of the Match in Paris
MARK KEOHANE rates the Springbok players' performances against France in Paris.
15. Willie le Roux – 8
Another impressive all-round performance. Constantly asking questions of the defence but his intelligence and his kicking game were standout features.
14. JP Pietersen – 8
This man loves playing in Paris. Chased superbly to charge down Morgan Parra's clearance and give the Boks a try within a minute. It set the tone for the match. He was aggressive and strong in everything he did.
13. Jaque Fourie – 7
His defensive organisation is in a different class. His presence was massive in a physically dominant performance.
12. Jean de Villiers – 7
He was composed, led well and was inspirational as he has been all season.
11. Bryan Habana – 8
His off-the-ball work was brilliant. He was always busy and his work rate is what defines him as a winger who still rates among the world's best.
10. Morné Steyn – 6
Superb goal-kicking but his out-of-hand kicking was not as good. Made some uncharacteristic basic mistakes, like not finding touch from a penalty twice.
9. Ruan Pienaar – 6
He is no Fourie du Preez but he played according to the game plan and he executed well. He doesn't have Du Preez's vision or speed in service delivery but his kicking game was good.
8. Duane Vermeulen – 7
Aggressive, strong and a performance in keeping with a very impressive season.
7. Willem Alberts – 9
Man of the Match. He has enjoyed his best tour with the Springboks and has been outstanding in every one of the Tests. Very physical again and very strong in the tackle. He also carried the ball well and contributed to the Boks' gainline advantage.
6. Francois Louw – 7
His game continues to evolve and improve. He is a better player for going to England and an example of how the national team can benefit from a player improving while playing offshore. He should never have been yellow-carded. Shocking decision from referee Wayne Barnes.
5. Flip van der Merwe – 8
The least celebrated of the locks but on this tour powerful in everything he did. He was strong in Paris.
4. Eben Etzebeth – 6
Only lasted 17 minutes but was defensively active and strong.
3. Coenie Oosthuizen – 7
Passed his test as a starting tighthead. Credit to him. Credit to scrum coach Pieter de Villiers. Stood up well in the scrums and good in general play.
2. Bismarck du Plessis – 6
Decent performance but not one of his more imposing performances.
1. Beast Mtawarira – 7
Scrummed well and carried well. He is playing his best rugby again.
Subs:
16. Adriaan Strauss – 6
His lineout throwing wobbled a bit, but that isn't necessarily just his fault as it could have been a breakdown between the jumper and support lifter. Won vital turnovers in the 15 minutes he was on the field.
17. Gurthrö Steenkamp – 6
Showed good energy and stood up well in the scrums.
18. Lourens Adriaanse – no rating
Made his debut in the final few minutes.
19. Bakkies Botha – 7
Introduced early because of the injury to Etzebeth and immediately made his presence felt. Physically very strong. Excellent comeback to Test rugby in the past two weekends.
20. Pieter-Steph du Toit – 6
Strong in the 15 minutes he played.
21. Siya Kolisi – no rating
He only played the last few minutes.
22. Jano Vermaak – no rating
Did not play.
23. Pat Lambie – 6
Blood replacement at fullback for Le Roux in the first half and played the last seven minutes at flyhalf when replacing Steyn. Did nothing wrong.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
