The player ratings from various sources are erratic and my own ratings are also controversial. Lets look at the ratings from various sources and my own in controversial cases:-
JACQUE FOURIE
Rugby 365
Not too many opportunities on attack, but his defence was rock solid. Also getting back to the pace of Test rugby - 7/10
Keohane
Only his second Test back and his legs aren’t quite there but he is world class and this tour is about getting him back into the mix. - 5/10
Myself
Did nothing of note - other than to give away 2 penalties to the Scots. A player ran past him early on no attempted tackle Twice knocked on balls 4/10
Summary
Now lets look at the comments made. Rugby 365 spoke about defence and yes - in that they are correct - he missed no tackles. They went on to say he had "not to many" opportunities on attack - which really represents a false image - he handled the ball EIGHT times and did squat with those balls. No mention of ball handling errors and penalties. In essence the figure of 7/10 is definitely wayward.
Keohane
Mentioned a negative "his legs is not quite there" - probably referring to his deficient mobility. For the rest he refers to nothing about the game on Saturday - but makes a dubious general statement.
Myself
At least I am not being one-sided and looked at the whole performance - both negative and positive. I looked at the 8 tackles made and they were all bog ordinary - no try saving tackles, no hard tackles - and the fact that he did nothing on attack. If one gives him one point for every routine tackle made - and subtract one point for each of the penalties given away and for the ball handling errors - you get to 4 points.
In essence generalized statements are vague and when not relating to what happened during the whole course of the game - they are misleading as to the contribution made by the player during the course of the game.
BAKKIES BOTHA
Rugby 365
Added the physicality you would expect of him. Great to have a player of his calibre to fall back onto if the youngsters get injured, even though he appeared a touch off the pace and missed a few tackles. 6/10
Keohane
The big guy can be happy with his Test comeback after a two-year absence. He lasted an hour and his legs did take some strain in the last 10 minutes he was on field. 6/10
Myself
No show - missed too many tackles - not effective in line-outs - Gave away penalty 4/10
Summary
Rugby 365 made a general statement in that he would be there if one of the younger players get injured and there is need for a backup - and went on to refer to lack of contribution in the game on Saturday. More realistic - but hardly worth 6 points out of ten.
Keo made a generalised statement about his comeback - but referred to his legs taking some strain - no reference to what he actually contributed on the field of play other than physicality. Not really worth much as a factual statement.
Myself - I referred to his actual contribution to what he did on the field of play and not made generalised statements as did the others.
Evaluation of players should be made on their actual contribution on the field of play - not some airy fairy generalized statements that cannot be proved by hard facts
