I preffer teratings of Rugby365.
I preffer teratings of Rugby365.
15 Aphelele Fassi: 7.5/10
Despite an early setback with a yellow card, Fassi rebounded with a composed and confident performance. He was particularly effective under the high ball, showing poise and reliability. His contributions to the counter-attack were invaluable, injecting pace and unpredictability into the Springboks' backline. Fassi's lethal strike-running ability kept the All Blacks' defence on high alert throughout the match. He is extremely good under the high ball, much better than Leroux in this regard.
14 Cheslin Kolbe: 7/10
Kolbe's work ethic was on full display as he tirelessly sought opportunities to break through the All Blacks' defensive line. He managed to beat defenders, including a notable moment when he toppled Scott Barrett, but overall had limited chances to make a significant impact with ball in hand. Nevertheless, his presence and determination were vital in keeping the All Blacks' defence stretched.
13 Jesse Kriel: 6/10
Kriel was a stalwart on defence, making several sharp reads to stymie the All Blacks' attacking efforts. However, he did falter once, leading to Caleb Clarke's first try. With ball in hand, Kriel was assertive, challenging the All Blacks' defensive structures, but his overall impact was somewhat muted by the solitary defensive lapse. Playing outside Delande is also a handicap
12 Damian de Allende: 7.5/10 (As a loose forward)
A good outing as a loose forward. He claimed two crucial turnovers and made several key tackles, particularly in the first half, although his performance was slightly marred by an intercept pass, and a hopeless pass behind the player following his crabbing run that eliminated space.
11 Kurt-Lee Arendse: 6/10
Arendse's game was unfortunately cut short due to a head knock, which significantly limited his impact. Before his injury, he had a quiet outing with limited possession, unable to showcase his usual dynamic play. He does not appear to be a football player. SFZ would have kicked that ono in his sleep.
10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu: 8/10
In a mixed performance, Feinberg-Mngomezulu demonstrated both his potential and inexperience. His 60-metre kick was a standout moment, keeping the All Blacks on their toes. While he made some errors typical of a rookie, his clutch kick to set up the match-winning try highlighted his composure under pressure. A promising display with room for growth.
9 Cobus Reinach: 5.5/10
Reinach delivered an ok performance overall, providing slick and accurate service from the base. He was decent with the boot, ensuring the Boks maintained territorial advantage, but his overall impact on the game was limited, lacking the spark needed to elevate the team's attacking threat.
8 Jasper Wiese: 8.5/10
Wiese was a powerhouse throughout the match, delivering a performance that was both physically imposing and tactically astute. He hammered into the All Blacks in both attack and defense, winning crucial turnovers and making a significant impact in every collision. His relentless work rate was a key factor in the Springboks' success.
7 Ben-Jason Dixon: 3/10
Dixon struggled in his debut against the All Blacks, finding the intensity and physicality of the contest challenging. While he excelled in the lineout, his errors in maul defense and a poor offload were costly. It was a tough initiation for the youngster, highlighting areas for improvement. He was woeful, it almost seemed better with 14 men.
6 Siya Kolisi (c): 6/10
Kolisi led by example with abrasive carries and committed defense. However, his overall influence on the game was somewhat subdued compared to his usual high standards.
5 Ruan Nortje: 7/10
Nortje put in a solid shift before being replaced early in the second half. He was dependable in the lineout and contributed effectively in open play, maintaining the physicality needed to compete with the All Blacks' pack.
4 Pieter-Steph du Toit: 9/10
Du Toit was exceptional, particularly when shifted to the back row. His performance was characterized by relentless energy and effectiveness in both lock and open play. He was a dominant force in the lineout and made crucial interventions around the park, showcasing his versatility and game-changing ability.
3 Frans Malherbe: 7/10
Malherbe targeted the All Blacks' scrum with intent, contributing to the Springboks' set-piece dominance. Defensively, he was solid, making nine tackles. However, his impact in open play was limited, and he was eventually replaced as the game wore on.
2 Bongi Mbonambi: 7/10
Mbonambi had a decent performance, scoring the Springboks' first try from a well-executed maul but struggling with consistency at times. His work at scrum time was solid, and he remained a key figure in the physical battle upfront.
1 Ox Nche: 6.5/10
Nche was industrious, particularly around the breakdown, where he topped the carries for the starting front row. His contribution in the tight exchanges was valuable, though his influence on the game didn't extend much beyond his core duties. Did not dominate his opponent at scrumtime.
Eben Etzebeth (8/10): Etzebeth made an immediate impact off the bench, using his physicality to dominate collisions and secure crucial lineout ball. His experience and presence were instrumental in shifting the momentum in the Springboks' favour.
Kwagga Smith (8/10): Smith proved his worth as a super sub, scoring a vital try and winning key turnovers. His energy and effectiveness in the final quarter were pivotal in turning the tide against the All Blacks.
Grant Williams (7.5/10): Williams brought a burst of pace and dynamism to the attack, culminating in the match-winning try. His impact off the bench was significant, providing the spark needed to break down a resilient All Blacks defence.
The contributions from the Springboks' "Bomb Squad" replacements were crucial in overturning the All Blacks' lead in the final quarter, ultimately securing a hard-fought 31-27 victory. This match highlighted the depth and resilience of the Springboks, with key players stepping up at critical moments to deliver a memorable win
15 Aphelele Fassi: The Springboks fullback was busy defensively in the opening minutes of the match but his work in that area of the game saw him visit the sin bin for an offside penalty. He returned to put in an assured performance under the high ball and looked to spark the attack on occasion and did so with some success. 8
14 Cheslin Kolbe: He will have loved to get his hands on the ball more throughout the match but when he did get it, he made his mark beating defenders including a run where he toppled over Scott Barrett. Close but no cigar in so many ways today. Still, he worked incredibly hard throughout the game. 7
13 Jesse Kriel: A titan on defence making some sharp reads but got one wrong leading to Caleb Clarke’s first try. He challenged the All Blacks’ defence with the ball in hand but the backline was just not firing to standard today. 6
12 Damian de Allende: After a blinder in the first half where he claimed a pair of turnovers, shifted the ball on well and made key tackles, De Allende threw a pass into the welcoming arms of Jordie Barrett for an All Blacks try. Still, he was industrious as ever and the glue in the Bok backline.7
11 Kurt-Lee Arendse: Sadly his game was cut short after getting his tackle technique wrong and sustaining a head knock. Before that, it was a rather quiet game for the Bok winger who was starved of possession but did almost make the most of his one chances but his footballing skills let him down. 5
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10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu: A mixed bag for the rookie ten who slotted a marvellous 60-metre kick and kept the All Blacks defence guessing with ball in hand. He also kicked a ball out on the full and got timed out by the shot clock for his first conversion attempt. However, he put in a clutch kick to set up the match-winning try, and converted that try. A hero was born today as a generational talent produced big plays in rugby’s greatest rival even if it was not all pretty. 8
9 Cobus Reinach: His first start against the All Blacks in his career and a rather solid outing overall. Slick and accurate service overall and did manage to beat a defender. Decent with the boot too. 6
8 Jasper Wiese: Hard to believe that he hasn’t played since May! Clearly looking to cement his place back in the number eight jersey, Wiese hammered into every All Blacks jersey that came his way, whether it was in defence or with ball in hand. He was simply immense throughout the game, winning a pair of turnovers in the first half too. A mighty shift from the powerhouse Bok back-rower. 9
7 Ben-Jason Dixon: Ex-Skipper John Smit believes that as a Springbok, you make two debuts; your first appearance in Green and Gold and your first game against the All Blacks. While Dixon impressed in the former, his latter was below the brilliant standard he has set so far. He was excellent in the lineout, but he made costly errors, getting his maul defence all wrong for New Zealand’s first try and then his poor offload not going to hand for Caleb Clarke’s try. A forgettable shift but one he will recover from. 3
6 Siya Kolisi (c): Abrasive in the carries and equally so on defence. Pestered the All Blacks breakdown and was sharp when in possession. Took a knock and was unable to close out the game but he was strong today. 7
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5 Ruan Nortje: His HIA replacement did not impact his rhythm as ran the lineout well, made his tackles and got through a ton of work throughout his performance. Also his first game against the All Blacks and he did not disappoint with a tidy and tough shift. 7
4 Pieter-Steph du Toit: The brilliant forward once again put in a busy shift after moving into the back row just 26 minutes into the game and moved back into the second row in the 50th minute. He was a sharp option at the lineout, pressuring the All Blacks’ ball and securing his own. Less busy with ball in hand than what has become the new norm for him but still effective at the breakdown and in defence. 9
3 Frans Malherbe: Unlucky to not have some of his scrum dominance rewarded as he put Tamaiti Williams under the pump. He was effective in the loose particularly on defence making eight tackles but also carried twice for two metres. 7
2 Bongi Mbonambi: Solid as ever both in the set-piece and on defence. Very fortunate that his try was not chalked off after his knock on but it stood. Stock standard to what is expected of him. 7
1 Ox Nche: Like his fellow front rowers, he too was unlucky to not get rewarded for his work against the excellent Tyrel Lomax in the scrum. Handy on both sides of the ball too. 7
Replacements: The Springboks Bomb Squad saved South Africa’s blushes once again thanks mostly in part thanks to the brilliance of Kwagga Smith who scored a try, won key turnovers and made strong tackles in an absolute blinder of a performance. Grant Williams also popped up with a score to win the game and added real whip to the Bok attack while the front row did not let the pressure slip in the scrum. Notable contributions from Elrigh Louw too while Eben Etzbeth was strong once again. There were flat periods but as many predicted, the bench made the difference. 9
READ MORE: Why the All Blacks prayed before the Haka and wore armbands against the Springboks
Well at least 365 makes sense when saying DDA was "the glue in the Bok backline" right after saying "the backline was just not firing to standard today" in Kriel's review. Glue indeed. Sticky stuff that stops progress.
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