Springboks player ratings vs Wallabies | 2023 Rugby Championship
By Daniel Gallan
2 hours ago
Springboks player ratings: The Springboks steamrolled the Wallabies without leaving third gear and did so without nine first choice players. That should send an ominous warning to the rest of the world. Impenetrable on defence, ruthless at scrum time and clinical when they got the ball out wide. Imagine what they’re capable of when they truly turn it on.
15 Willie le Roux – 7 There have been few Springboks with as wide a repertoire as le Roux. He’s at first receiver. He’s at second receiver. He’s passing off both hands and fielding deep. But this also opens him up to criticism and this evening’s performance will only entrench whatever view you already had of him. Slick at times, sloppy at others. His influence on the backline though can’t be denied. When he clicked, so did the team around him. Replaced by Damian Willemse on 69 minutes.
14 Canan Moodie – 6 Handy when stepping off his right foot but struggled – uncharacteristically – under the high ball at times. Did cop a few cynical blows for his troubles as well and was peppered by some ranging kicks. He held his own physically but there wasn’t enough to suggest he’s causing problems at the next selectors’ meeting.
13 Lukhanyo Am – 6 Quiet by his own lofty standards. Backline moves seemed to move around him rather than through him at times. Some neat touches – particularly in the Kurt-Lee Arendse hat-trick try – and marshalled the hugely impressive defensive performance like the general that he is. But when you come for magic and meet pragmatism, it’s hard not to feel disappointed. Managed to play the whole game which is a massive bonus for the Boks.
12 Andre Esterhuizen – 8 His best performance in a Springboks jersey. In that sort of form he’s one of the best inside centres in the game. Proved he’s no mere battering ram. Played seven passes and made seven lung busting tackles. Off-loaded and kicked off the toe as well. But it was his trademark grunt that stood out. Was a menace every time he touched the ball.
11 Kurt-Lee Arendse 9 As close to a perfect 10 as any South African winger has come since the World Cup win. Scintillating with ball in hand, his try scoring record speaks for itself. He rounded off the hat-trick with an incredibly difficult score. Stepping, wriggling, jinking and diving. Immense strength on show. How on earth do you leave him out now?
10 Manie Libbok – 8 Had some serious questions to answer and he provided resounding retorts to most. Was aided by a dominant pack, a marauding behemoth outside him and a sturdy veteran on his inside, but still dazzled at times. A natural passer of the ball he also attacked the line and was shallow at times, demonstrating his bravery to exploit the half gaps. Will be challenged with less front-foot ball but he could only play the game that was in front of him. Excellent work.
9 Cobus Reinach – 8 If he had a box kick he’d be in contention for a starting berth with everyone available. Some delicious passes off his shoulder and had a symbiotic relationship with Libbok outside him. Handy when things got messy as well and showed a great turn of pace. Replaced by Grant Williams on 65 minutes.
1 Steven Kitshoff – 8 Is he the best front rower on the planet? He’s in the conversation. He absolutely smashed Alaalatoa in the scrum. Made six tackles as well to underline his all round contributions. Replaced by Thomas du Toit on 63 minutes.
2 Bongi Mbonambi – 6 Superb in Arendse’s try on the half hour when he entered the scene to throw a lovely pass to the winger on the wraparound when a line-out splintered, but failed in his primary job of throwing the ball straight. His accuracy in the set piece remains a concern. Replaced by Joseph Dweba on 63 minutes.
3 Frans Malherbe – 8 Is he the best front rower on the planet? He’s in the conversation. Another mighty show in the set piece. South Africa’s scrum consumed Australia’s. Even with the new hot-steppers out wide, the Springboks pack remains indomitable. Replaced by Vincent Koch on 63 minutes.
4 Jean Kleyn – 7 Solid without being spectacular, but that’s not an insult on what was a professional and faultless show on debut. Can at least claim to have won his battle with Skelton. Industrious with a high work rate. Baffling that he was deemed surplus to Ireland’s requirement. Substituted for Evan Roos with 11 minutes to go.
5 Marvin Orie – 8 One of the most improved players in South African rugby. A totem and a nuisance at set piece and an important link in the interplay around the fringe. His best Bok performance for sure. Hooked for RG Snyaman on 54 minutes.
6 Marco van Staden – 9 Started with an important steal on the ground after two minutes and only got better from there. A colossus when things got loose and immovable when it stayed tight. The best forward on the pitch by a distance making 37 metres with ball in hand and nailing six tackles. Replaced by Deon Fourie on 66 minutes.
7 Pieter-Steph du Tout – 6 Still searching for his pre-injury form, he grew as the game developed. Started as a sideline character but was instrumental as the Wallabies tired. Scored from close range and kept hammering the fringe.
8 Duane Vermeulen – 7 He continues to run over people and hammer ball carriers. His nickname Thor might be more than a moniker as he defies the hold of time. He was everywhere all at once. Lead with composure as well. And to think he was written off only a few months before.
16 Joseph Dweba – 6 Industrious in the loose. Line-out throws need obvious work. On for Mbonambi
17 Thomas du Toit – 7 An important squad player proved his worth.
18 Vincent Kock – 8 Would be the best prop in most Test teams. Continued the dominance at scrum time.
19 RG Snyman – 7 Seemed to suck in the energy of the game once he came on. Obvious class but lacked accuracy at times, especially when lifted in the line.
20 Evan Roos N/A Didn’t have enough time to exert himself.
21 Deon Fourie 7 Maintained the dominance of South Africa’s loose forwards.
22 Grant Williams – 6 Effervescent but impatient. Could have allowed a scrum to develop more before picking the ball up.
23 Damian Willemse – N/A One swift move was not enough to leave a lasting impression.
