Read this you two buffoons
Zane Kirchner – 7/10
His critics would state that he brought nothing exceptional to the game and he did everything (insert player here) could have provided. For me he brought us the balance we required. He was impeccable under the high ball and he joined the line at the right times. I can’t remember any clear errors but I can guarantee if you wanted to find fault with his performance you could have. I’d select him against the All Blacks.
Willie Le Roux – 8/10
He is a modern day rugby miracle and selecting him on the wing emphasizes his strengths without exposing him to his weakness. He’s an outstanding play maker and isn’t shy to do the ground work before.
JJ Engelbrecht – 6/10
It’s clear that the “buddy” system was employed on defence as JJ enjoyed the help of Jean De Villiers on many occasions… Not a terrible test but I still feel the All Blacks will expose him. Imagine him trying to tackle Nonu.
Jean de Villiers – 7/10
He’s captaincy carried us through this test and his guidance is exemplary. He also lead by example on both defence and attack. Still a little predictable at times but when the loose forwards play like they did on Saturday then his predictability can’t be faulted.
Bryan Habana – 7/10
A quiet day in the office for Mr Habana. His experience is gold and in my opinion he is by far the most rounded wing in world rugby.
Morne Steyn – 7.5 / 10
Made some defensive errors but the score card read: Morne 18 – Australia 12.
Ruan Pienaar – 6.5/10
Dare I say well rounded performance by the player I love to hate… Distribution could be faster but Ruan had a hand in every try. His kicking was average though.
Duane Vermeulen – 9.10
If I had to choose the man of the match, Duane would be it. Can’t wait for him to showcase his talents against the mighty Kieran Read.
Willem Alberts – 7/10
Some say harshly yellow-carded but the rule book stated that the Bonecollector had to take a breather. I’d like to penalise him for his efforts but there was more “reaction” than “deliberate” in that knock-down. He tackles like no other… ok, well, maybe Siya Kolisi, but we’ll never really know.
Francois Louw – 8.5/10
Clearly doesn’t like it when other people play with his ball…
Flip van der Merwe – 6/10
There are two schools of thought when it comes to Flip’s performance. One would say he’s a liability that wasn’t used in the line outs while his only contribution was towards the “penalties awarded” tally. Others would say that his physicality provided the South African pack with a noticeable edge over the opposition and that he represented everything that was missing in Mendoza… I still say Franco van der Merwe can do everything Flip does, at a margin of the price.
Eben Etzebeth – 7/10
Though I never questioned his ability on the field, I did however question his ability to calm himself when provoked. I’m pleasantly surprised.
Jannie du Plessis 8/10
Destroyed the opposition and even won a turnover. The new rules have rekindled his rugby career, that or it was just the normal “Bismarck” effect.
Bismarck Du Plessis – 7.5 /10
Knocked what could have been a try but he can’t be faulted anywhere else. Not even close to his best, but he’s still better than the rest.
Tendai Mtawarira 8.5/10
I said Sekope Kepu will have a difficult day at the office. Boy, was that an understatement.
