Bok player ratings

Here are Houwig’s ratings: Here’s how I rated the Boks out of 10 in Padova: Andries Coetzee: 5.5 At the risk of almost weekly repetition, the Lions fullback was again little more than “functional”. Pulled his weight defensively, and sometimes showed smart positional sense when danger briefly lurked, but also posed little to no threat on attack and some of his kicks, either for touch or in-field, were extremely ropey. Dillyn Leyds: 5.5 Difficult to be definitive about his showing, considering that so little came his way. No glaring gaffes, though. Jesse Kriel: 6 Better than against France or Ireland; that’s something. Made one incisive break from deep, and had stronger focus this week in the tackle department as well. Francois Venter: 7.5 As Naas Botha noted in the SuperSport studio, he straightened the line -- and not many are doing that properly right now. Made a key early intercept at close quarters when Boks were under cosh, and was industrious and willing throughout. Sound communicator. Courtnall Skosan: 4.5 Alas, once again no sign of translating his Super Rugby sprightliness into any semblance of Test potency. Too much of an anonymous figure … and when asked to deal with a ball under minimal pressure, he knocked on. Handre Pollard: 7.5 It helped that he completely turned around his wonky place-kicking from Paris, registering 4/4 off the tee in the greasy conditions here. But he also provided a degree of generalship so often lacking at No 10 for the Boks this year. Set up first SA try with stirring half-break near line, and also third with beautifully-weighted cross-kick. Ross Cronje: 5.5 Another whose hold on his jersey stays fairly tenuous. One useful mini-snipe through the middle, occasional astute options but conceded an offside penalty, lacked real gusto … and guilty of one hoist that went very pear-shaped. Duane Vermeulen: 7 Was given a good battle, as expected, by the one world-class Italian, Sergio Parisse, but offered plenty of his own value. His brute strength and acumen at close quarters is invaluable, especially on slower surfaces like this one was. Pieter-Steph du Toit: 6.5 Although he seemed to lose a bit of steam late on, generally we saw more good evidence that his “conversion” to back-rower is going swimmingly. Carried repeatedly and urgently, making important yards in first half, and some alert moments of cover defence. Francois Louw: 7.5 Engine worked so willingly and uncomplainingly here. Made several steals, tackled firmly throughout and aided some rumbling mauls. Took his try well. One breakdown penalty against him. Lood de Jager: 6. Tidy shift, even if little genuinely house-on-fire stuff. Penalised for not rolling, and hands let him down once or twice, but played his part in broader pack mastery. Eben Etzebeth: 6.5 Remember that he was injured last week against France, after a murderous shift then. Slightly off his famed A-game in this one, but also far from idle. Forcefully drove back rival skipper Parisse once. Gave away two penalties. Wilco Louw: 7 Development continues in leaps and bounds. Anchorman of a menacing Bok scrum, and busy beyond the set-piece. Bongi Mbonambi: 7 It’s taken a patient wait for his maiden start, but it was worth it. Certainly confirmed he is currently good value as second in line to Malcolm Marx, the juggernaut who missed this clash. Finished off mauling move for popular try. Some pinpoint lineout throws, but two also went wayward. Tendai Mtawarira: 6.5 Was scrumming firmly, as he has done for much of 2017, before he limped off in 28th minute. Standout substitute: Steven Kitshoff: 7

Generlly good ratings. The back three remain suspect aa does Kriel. Pollard and Venter have added direct running which has made a big difference....I am still not a Venter fan, but he has been so much better than the Tractor. Wilco Louw looked good again....our locks were quiet, but I’m sure Etzebeth was watching his injury. And Louw/Vermeulen our best forwards.

I think if you look in your turnover conceded column, you will see Stephanie’s team-high 3 vs Louw’s zero. What you won’t see is the at least 3 turnovers Louw won....a net ball possession delta of at least 6 vs Stephanie. Hence Louw’s justifiably higher rating.

Hah ‘Tractor’!! Best name for him! Yeah I must say, I’ve been super happy with Venter. I too wasn’t a great fan of his, but he has been a breath of fresh air You Cana also see his passion for the jersey! He brings some much neacesaary gas to the inside channel as well. He also seems to be thriving with Pollard inside him.

There is a value to having a centre who has learned his trade, unlike Kriel, Allende, JJ, Mapoe and others who are part time wingers. . Tok you may think Louw made no steals, but Houwig clearly does when he says Louw made several steals...a point which was also made by the commentator. Once again you are in a majority of one.