Captain18,570 posts
30 Nov 2014, 11:49
#1
30 Nov 2014, 11:49#1
Wales have claimed the gigantic scalp of the Springboks for the second time ever with a 12-6 victory in Cardiff on Saturday. It was a game that was extremely scrappy, for both teams, that saw the only points coming from the kickers as Lambie and Halfpenny traded penalties. At 3-3 at halftime there was still plenty to play for, but as the game wore on the Springboks looked more and more unfocused and complacent. A number of unforced errors and silly mistakes cost the Springboks as the Welsh absorbed the pressure and converted their few chances for the victory. Darryn Pollock rate the Welsh Dragons: 15 Leigh HalfpennyBrave in defence as he cut down big Eben Etzebeth in full stride - solid performance from the little man who gave them all their points.8/10 14 Alex CuthbertHad a decent run, but not really a game for the wings.6/10 13 Jonathan DaviesGot busier as the game went on, looking for runs and switches in the midfield with his direct running.6/10 12 Jamie RobertsA well rounded game, made his tackles and used the ball well balancing his runs with his passes.7/10 11 Liam WilliamsLooked for work and was forced into make a number of tackles which he handled well.6/10 10 Dan Biggarlooked really sharp right from the kick-off, excelled in all aspects oh flyhalf play as well as other parts in the game, outstanding on defence.9/10 9 Rhys Webbspeedy service and that set the tone for the Welsh.7/10 8 Taulupe FaletauWas a big player when it came to matching the bruising ball carries of the Springboks.7/10 7 Sam Warburton (captain)was monumental in defence, made a huge amount of tackles and effected a good couple crucial turn overs.9/10 6 Dan LydiatePut in a huge effort in defence alongside flank partner Sam Warburton 8/10 5 Alun Wyn JonesHis defence was superb as he worked hard in putting in some important tackles, a dependable force in the pack.7/10 4 Jake BallHad a fair few ball carries in the tight stuff as he sucked the defence in for the ball to be spread.7/10 3 Samson LeeA real text-book style tight head, gave the Welsh pack a solid platform at the scrum ,6/10 2 Scott BaldwinWas busy with ball in hand while trying to fill the big boots of Dan Hibbard.6/10 1 Gethin JenkinsPut in the third-most tackles for his team, a real hard grafter.7/10 Replacements: 16 Emyr PhillipsNot enough time to be rated. 17 Aaron Jarvis (on for Jenkins, 74 mins)Not enough time to be rated. 18 Rhodri JonesNot used. 19 Luke CharterisNot used. 20 James KingNot used. 21 Mike PhillipsNot used. 22 Rhys PriestlandNot used. 23 Scott Williams (on for Halfpenny, 67 mins)There was nothing for him to do by this stage out on the wings - Not enough to be rated.
