South Africa v Argentina - Springboks player ratings
Handre Pollard scored 31 points as South Africa thrashed Argentina 46-13 in Salta Saturday to win the Rugby Championship for the first time.
The Springboks last won a competition in 2009 when they finished first in the Tri-Nations, the forerunner of the Rugby Championship.
Here are the South African players’ ratings!
15. Willie le Roux – 5/10
A very quiet first half for the fullback particular on attack. Nonetheless, his kicks from the 22 helped South Africa exit quickly – but still a little inconsistent.
14. Cheslin Kolbe – 7
The wing’s presence is always vital, whether on attack or defence his work rate is just impressive. He made 37 metres and eight carries. Also took over the role as scrumhalf during Faf de Klerk’s 10 minutes in the sin bin.
13. Lukhanyo Am – 5
Another player who did not fire on all cylinders. His defensive system was great however hist attacking skills continue to flaw his overall form. The centre made one noteworthy run but nothing spectacular.
12. Damian de Allende – 7
It was one of his better performances in the Springbok jersey. Was a prominent figure in defence as he made some solid tackles which drove the Los Pumas back. Also vital at the breakdown, making a crucial turnover on 48 minutes inside the Boks’ five-metre.
11. Makazole Mapimpi – 6
A nervy start by the wing, his first touched was a knock on but gradually found his feet on attack. He made a few runs and one that stands out it’s his line break in the 62nd minute which eventually led to his try.
10 Handré Pollard – 9
The flyhalf produced a marvellous performance, he truly showed why he is one the best flyhalves in the World. Might have missed a couple of kicks from the tee but he made up for it contributing 31 points, including a brace of tries and five penalties kicks. Also had a hand in Mapimpi’s try.
9. Francois de Klerk – 6
The scrumhalf delivered yet another commanding performance. He was solid in defence however was handed a yellow card.
8. Duane Vermeulen – 7
The captain was brilliant under the high ball, he made sure the Springboks claimed possession from the kickoff which set a perfect platform for the side. He led the troops very well.
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit – 6
Another hard-hitting, relentless 80 minutes for flank. On attack he made 22 meters and nine carries while his defence was a little flawed, missing four tackles of his 11 (not the stats we’re used when it comes to Du Toit). Nonetheless, think everybody is allowed to have an off day – even the tackling machine Du Toit.
6. Kwagga Smith – 5
Not very abrasive and failed to stand out, made a handful of carries but was eventually replaced by Francois Louw after 56 minutes.
5. Franco Mostert – 7
Showed tremendous power when it came to physical battles. His work on attack was just as impressive with his carries tally well into double digits. His defining line break also set up Handre Pollard’s second try.
4 Eben Etzebeth – 7
Another robust and very physical performance. He made all his tackles and on attack, he made solid runs, also made a break in the opening minutes which got the team side the Argentina half.
3. Trevor Nyakane – 7
Fuelled by his fellow front row, the prop was impressive in the scrum he bullied the Pumas’ pack and secured multiple penalties for the Boks. Certainly, made a good case for the No.3 jersey.
2. Mbongeni Mbonambi – 8
His selection over Malcolm Marx had the tongues wagging, however, the hooker showed how effective he can be. His line-out throwing was on point, while his strong carrying ability proved helpfull. The hooker also scored a try.
1. Tendai Mtawarira 7
Solid. The prop was a beast in the scrums and worked all around the field before being replaced by Steven Kitshoff after 45 minutes.
Replacements:
16. Malcolm Marx (45th minute) – 6
Lineout throw-ins have improved. Did not make his signature runs but was good.
17. Steven Kitshoff (45th minute) – 7
Was out to prove himself and he did. He scrummed well and just like the Mtawarir kept the pressure on Los Pumas pack.
18 Frans Malherbe (49th minute) – 5
Fairly okay performance, helped the scrum maintain its dominance, however, he missed two tackles.
19. Rudolph Snyman, (65 minutes) -N/A
Not enough time to be rated
20. Francois Louw, (56th minute) – 6
The flank is a menace a the breakdown. He made a crucial turnover, however a little bit too overeager and conceded two penalties.
21. Herschel Jantjies (70th minute) – N/A
Not enough time to be rated
22 Frans Steyn (65th minutes) – 6
The centre showed tremendous skills as he made a marvellous pick-up in the build-up of Cheslyn Kolbe’s try in the 67th minute. He can certainly do with more time ahead of the World Cup.
23 Jesse Kriel (58th minute) – 5
Made a noteworthy difference when he entered the field. He was looking for work as he made a few metres and two solid carries.
Comments on RugbyPass
It was a pleasure to watch those guys playing with such confidence. That trio can all be infuriating for different reasons and I can see why Jones might have decided against them. No way to justify leaving Ikitau out though. Jorgensen and him were both scheduled to return at the same time. Only one of them plays for Randwick and has a dad who is great mates with the national coach though.
53 Go to commentsBrayden Iose and Peter Lakai are very exciting Super Rugby players but are too short and too light to ever be a Test 8 vs South Africa, France, Ireland, and England, Lakai could potentially be a Test player at 7 if he is allowed to focus on 7 for Hurricanes.
5 Go to commentsPencils “Thomas du Toit” into possible 2027 Bok squad.
1 Go to commentsDon’t see why Harrison makes the bench. Jones can play at 10 if needed, and there is a good case for starting her there to begin with if testing combinations. That would leave room for Sing on the bench
1 Go to commentsWhat a load of old bull!
1 Go to commentsOf the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.
29 Go to commentsIrish Rugby CEO be texting Andy Farrell “Andy, i found our next Kiwi Irishman”
5 Go to commentsI certainly don’t miss drinking beers at 8am in the morning watching rugby games being played in NZ.
1 Go to commentsThis looks like a damage limitation exercise for Wales, keeping back some of their more effective players for the last 20/25 minutes to try and counter England’s fresh legs so the Red Roses don’t rack up a big score.
1 Go to commentsVery unlikely the Bulls will beat Leinster in Dublin. It would be different in Pretoria.
1 Go to commentsI think it is a dangerous path to go down to ban a player for the same period that a player they injured takes to recover. Players would be afraid to tackle anyone. I once tackled my best friend at school in a practice match and sprained his ankle. I paid for it by having to play fly-half instead of full-back for the rest of that season’s fixtures.
5 Go to commentsJust such a genuine good bloke…and probably the best all round player in his generation. Good guys do come first sometimes and he handled the W.Cup loss with great attitude.
2 Go to commentsWord in France is that he’s on the radar of a few Top14 clubs.
5 Go to commentsGet blocking Travis, this guy has styles and he’s gonna make a swift impact…!
1 Go to commentsWhat remorse? She claimed that her dangerous tackle wasn’t worthy of a red! She should be compensating the injured player for loss of earnings at the minimum. Her ban should include the recovery time of the injured player as well as the paltry 3 match ban.
5 Go to commentsArdie is a legend. Finished and klaar. Two things: “Yeah, yeah, I have had a few conversations with Razor just around feedback on my game and what I am doing well, what I need to improve on or work-ons. It’s kind of been minimal, mate, but it’s all that I need over here in terms of how to be better, how to get better and what I am doing well.” I hope he’s downplaying it - and that it’s not that “minimal”. The amount of communication and behind the scenes preparation the Bok coaches put into players - Rassie and co would be all over Ardie and being clear on what is expected of him. This stands out for me as something teams should really be looking at in terms of the boks success from a coaching point of view. And was surprised by the comment - “minimal”. In terms of the “debate” around Ireland and South Africa. Nice one Ardie. Indeed. There’s no debate.
2 Go to commentsThere’s a bit of depth there but realistically Australian players have a long way to go to now catch up. The game is moving on fast and Australia are falling behind. Australian sides still don’t priories the breakdown like they should, it’s a non-negotiable if you want to compete on the international stage. That goes for forwards and backs. The Australian team could have a back row that could make a difference but the problem is they don’t have a tight five that can do the business. Tupou is limited in defence, overweight and unfit and the locks are a long way from international standard. Frost is soft and Salakai-Loto is too small so that means they need a Valentini at 8 who has to do the hard graft so limits the effectiveness of the backrow. Schmidt really needs to get a hard working, tough tight 5 if he wants to get this team firing.
3 Go to commentsSorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
2 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to comments