OPINION: THE ALLISTER COETZEE ERA GOT OFF TO A DISASTROUS START - HIS SPRINGBOKS LOSING 20-26 TO A 14-MAN IRISH TEAM.
Not only was it the first time that Ireland won on South African soil, but it was a Bok performance to forget.
Lethargic and disinterested are just two words to describe a South African team that will take a lot of heat for this showing.
Jan de Koning rates the South African players:
15 Willie le Roux:
He looked to inject himself into the game, but it did not always come off and made far too many errors - running across the field.
5/10
14 Jon-Paul Pietersen:
Certainly a more lively performance than what we've seen in Super Rugby this year. He looked hungry, but also had a few blunders.
6/10
13 Lionel Mapoe:
Had a quiet game and his hands let him down at times. A day he would like to forget.
4/10
12 Damian de Allende:
He was guilty of the same unimaginative play that has plagued him all season at the Stormers.
5/10
11 Lwazi Mvovo:
Justified his selection with some great runs and was very effective when chasing the high kicks. One of the best Bok backs.
7/10
10 Pat Lambie:
Lasted just over 20 minutes before being taken out by CJ Stander and having to leave the field. Did nothing wrong in his brief stay, but not enough time to really make an impact.
6/10
9 Francois de Klerk:
Started his debut with an impressive tackle on a prop, driving the big man backwards. His service was crisp and accurate. Made a real impact.
8/10
8 Duane Vermeulen:
Looked rusty and made a few mistakes, but was physical - not his best Test.
5/10
7 Siyamthanda Kolisi:
A real workhorse and looked impressive with ball in hand - making some impressive yards.
6/10
6 Francois Louw:
Had a quiet game by his standard and it was a surprise he wasn't substituted earlier.
5/10
5 Lodewyk de Jager:
Worked hard, was very physical and had his moments. However, he disappeared at times.
5/10
4 Eben Etzebeth:
Was a real bruiser, but made far too many errors - physicality is not everything.
5/10
3 Frans Malherbe:
Looked keen and was strong in the scrums, but far too many silly penalties - a game to forget.
4/10
2 Adriaan Strauss (captain):
Was he even on the field> Not the example a captain should set.
4/10
1 Tendai Mtawarira:
Powerful scrumming and some impressive carries - the BEAST is back!
6/10
Replacements:
16 Mbongeni Mbonambi:
Not used.
17 Trevor Nyakane (on for Mtawarira, 59th min):
The scrum looked weaker when he came on and did not show up in general play either.
4/10
18 Julian Redelinghuys (on for Malherbe, 77th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
19 Pieter-Steph du Toit (on for De Jager, 56th min):
He was one of the few Springboks that showed energy and a desire to take on the Irish.
7/10
20 Warren Whiteley (on for Louw, 56th min):
He showed that he can perform on the Test arena. Maybe he should have started.
6/10
21 Rudy Paige (on for De Klerk, 69th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
22 Elton Jantjies (on for Lambie, 22nd min):
He did not let the team down and was one of the few backs who looked to create something in the mire of mediocrity that enveloped most of the backline.
7/10
23 Jesse Kriel (on for Mapoe, 69th min):
Not enough time to be rated.
