SharkBok's MatchAlysis
Willie le Roux: 6.5
Got better as the game progressed. Started to play as second receiver which improved the attack from an out of sorts Pollard. One hopeless chip kick that went straight out. However, he did make a good up and under that Mapimpi scored from with ease.
Cheslin Kolbe: 10
2 Tries, and looked dangerous at every chance. Made lots of tackles. Took a high ball that was exceptional. Still, questions if he should be playing at 15 to make the Boks more reliable under the high ball, with more counter-attacking opportunities from the back. Could get his hands on the ball more than just limited chances from the wing.
Lukhanyo Am: 6.5
All-round game. Solid. He is physical, reasonably fast, and has a decent pass.
Damian de Allende: 6.5
His form is getting better as the tournament progresses. Always strong, but adding some more finesse with deft offloads.
Makazole Mapimpi: 7
Best test match to date. He looked comfortable on attack and defence. His involvement off the ball was much higher than usual
Handre Pollard: 5
A comical drop near his own try line was very concerning. A better team would have converted that mistake into a try. Also seemed to get better as the match progressed. Pole kicking was a bit awry. His kick pass worked once with Kolbe scoring from this
Faf de Klerk: 5
Started well, but faded later in the game. Something is going wrong between him and Pollard. Both involved in an error-prone attack
Duane Vermeulen: 8
Still one of the best fetchers in world rugby. High work rate. His impact on the game infuriated the Italians to throw him on his head, which all but finished the game as any form of a contest. Italy was lucky to not have 2 players sent from the field.
Pieter-Steph du Toit: 7
Was good, and shows he has the mobility and fitness to play as a test number 7. Buggered up a certain try.
Siya Kolisi: 3
Was he on the pitch? I think he gave away a penalty.
Lood de Jager: 9
One of his best tests. He looked like a matured test player. Very good on his own ball at the lineout, and also put lots of pressure on opposition ball at the lineouts. Strong carries. Solid tackles. Brought a physical edge to the Boks. The driving maul was excellent for the Boks today, easily the best part of the game. Is Mostert toast?
Eben Etzebeth: 6
Involved in the tight exchanges, otherwise average.
Flab Malherbe: 6
Good scrummaging, without the trademark bellyflops
Bongi Mbonambi: 8.5
Very physical hitting rucks, and as a defender. Good as the mole at the back of the driving maul. (Marx also got a try in the same way, but he does not appear as comfortable in this burrowing role as Mbonombi).
Tendai Mtawarira: 7
Better scrummager than ginger-ninja. A better starter to a test.
