As the dust settles on the Springboks' 2025 season, we delve into the performances of the backs, having already tackled the ratings of the forwards. The backs played a crucial role in securing 13 wins out of 15 tests. This year, the youthful talents particularly shone, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu emerging as a standout, alongside Ethan Hooker who dazzled in his debut season.
Aphelele Fassi, despite an injury, showed promise early in the season, earning a solid 6. Cheslin Kolbe, a consistent high performer, was spectacular, especially against top-tier teams, and earned a spot in the World Rugby Dream Team of the Year, scoring an 8. Damian Willemse, after missing the previous season, made a remarkable comeback, his performance against the All Blacks being a highlight, also scoring an 8.
Edwill van der Merwe displayed his scoring prowess in the few chances he got, earning a 7, while Ethan Hooker’s impressive entry into international rugby earned him an 8. Kurt-Lee Arendse, despite limited appearances due to injuries, maintained a high try-scoring rate, warranting a 7. Makazole Mapimpi, limited to a single appearance, managed a 6, while Willie le Roux perhaps faced the toughest year, winding up with a 4.
In the centres, Andre Esterhuizen was nearly perfect, his versatility and powerful performances earning him a 9. Damian de Allende, the reliable force in the midfield, got an 8. Jesse Kriel, leading the team on several occasions, scored a 7, and Canan Moodie, who excelled in multiple positions, also earned an 8.
"Reinach was probably in the form of his career,"
said Erasmus, as Cobus Reinach dominated the scrum-half position, scoring a 9. Faf de Klerk, struggling for more game time, managed a 6, while Grant Williams showed potential off the bench, earning a 7.
Handre Pollard, used sparingly this season, received a 7. Manie Libbok, after a mixed year, scored an 8, and Morne van den Berg, though limited in appearances, managed a 7.
The star of the show, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, not only dazzled with his record-breaking performance but also solidified his place as a key player for the future, earning a perfect 10. His ability to score tries and dictate games at such a young age highlights his exceptional talent.
This comprehensive look at the Springboks' backline demonstrates a blend of experienced stalwarts and rising stars, setting the stage for continued dominance on the international rugby scene.
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As the dust settles on the Springboks' 2025 season, we delve into the performances of the backs, having already tackled the ratings of the forwards. The backs played a crucial role in securing 13 wins out of 15 tests. This year, the youthful talents particularly shone, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu emerging as a standout, alongside Ethan Hooker who dazzled in his debut season.
Aphelele Fassi, despite an injury, showed promise early in the season, earning a solid 6. Cheslin Kolbe, a consistent high performer, was spectacular, especially against top-tier teams, and earned a spot in the World Rugby Dream Team of the Year, scoring an 8. Damian Willemse, after missing the previous season, made a remarkable comeback, his performance against the All Blacks being a highlight, also scoring an 8.
Edwill van der Merwe displayed his scoring prowess in the few chances he got, earning a 7, while Ethan Hooker’s impressive entry into international rugby earned him an 8. Kurt-Lee Arendse, despite limited appearances due to injuries, maintained a high try-scoring rate, warranting a 7. Makazole Mapimpi, limited to a single appearance, managed a 6, while Willie le Roux perhaps faced the toughest year, winding up with a 4.
In the centres, Andre Esterhuizen was nearly perfect, his versatility and powerful performances earning him a 9. Damian de Allende, the reliable force in the midfield, got an 8. Jesse Kriel, leading the team on several occasions, scored a 7, and Canan Moodie, who excelled in multiple positions, also earned an 8.
"Reinach was probably in the form of his career,"
said Erasmus, as Cobus Reinach dominated the scrum-half position, scoring a 9. Faf de Klerk, struggling for more game time, managed a 6, while Grant Williams showed potential off the bench, earning a 7.
Handre Pollard, used sparingly this season, received a 7. Manie Libbok, after a mixed year, scored an 8, and Morne van den Berg, though limited in appearances, managed a 7.
The star of the show, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, not only dazzled with his record-breaking performance but also solidified his place as a key player for the future, earning a perfect 10. His ability to score tries and dictate games at such a young age highlights his exceptional talent.
This comprehensive look at the Springboks' backline demonstrates a blend of experienced stalwarts and rising stars, setting the stage for continued dominance on the international rugby scene.