Springboks player ratings vs All Blacks | 2023 Rugby Championship
Springboks player ratings: The Springboks suffered a disappointing defeat against the All Blacks at Mount Smart Stadium. Despite their efforts, the South African team struggled to find their rhythm and execute their game plan effectively. However, a few standout performances deserve recognition amidst the disappointment.
Here are the player ratings for the Springboks’ match against New Zealand:
Steven Kitshoff – 7.5
Kitshoff had a strong performance in the front row. He provided stability and made some notable carries during the game. Yet he didn’t quite provide dominance the Boks might have hoped for.
Bongi Mbonambi – 6
Sadly for the Springboks, Mbonambi didn’t display his trademark accuracy with his lineout throws but did make some valuable contributions in the loose.
Frans Malherbe – 5.5
Malherbe held his own in the scrums, without dominating, and put in a competent defensive effort. While he made a few solid carries, he struggled to make a significant impact in open play.
Eben Etzebeth – 6
Despite the tragic loss of his father earlier in the week, Etzebeth showed great courage in taking to the field. While he had a relatively quiet game by his high standards, he did deliver some enormous hits. Just ask Mark Telea.
Lood de Jager – 6
De Jager had a decent performance, but his impact was somewhat limited. He made his presence felt in the physical exchanges but couldn’t quite assert himself as much as he would have liked.
Kwagga Smith – 8
Smith was one of the Springboks’ standout performers, displaying his athleticism and work rate throughout the match. He was a constant threat at the breakdown and made important contributions in attack. Deserved his try for what was a tireless effort.
Franco Mostert – 5
Anonymous at times. Although he put in a commendable defensive shift and showed versatility by covering ground effectively, he struggled to assert himself at the breakdown and wasn’t a carrying threat.
Jasper Wiese – 5
Wiese had a tough outing against a relentless All Blacks back row. While he worked hard and made some tackles, he was unable to provide the go-forward ball that the Springboks needed from the base of the scrum.
Faf de Klerk – 7.5
De Klerk displayed his trademark energy and quick thinking, but he found it difficult to control the tempo of the game against a dominant All Blacks side. He provided some sparks in attack before being taken off after 51 minutes.
Damian Willemse – 4
Willemse faced a stern test at flyhalf and struggled to assert himself in the game. He made a few promising breaks but lacked the consistency needed to take control of the match. Didn’t look comfortable out there.
Makazole Mapimpi – 5
Mapimpi had a relatively quiet game by his high standards. Although he made some decent carries, he wasn’t able to produce the magic that we’ve come to expect from him.
Damian de Allende – 5
A game to forget for De Allende, who is trying to find form after returning from an injury plagued season. The centre struggled to make a significant impact in attack and was often contained well by the All Blacks’ defensive line. Andre Esterhuizen is really breathing down his throat now.
Lukhanyo Am – 6
Am was a solid presence in midfield, making his tackles count and providing some stability in the Springboks’ defensive line. However, he is yet to display the form that lead many to believe he was the best centre in world in 2022.
Cheslin Kolbe – 7
Kolbe was one of the few semi-decent performers for the Springboks, even if it was a mixed bag. He made several threatening breaks and was a constant headache for the All Blacks’ defense. Got one try and probably should have been awareded a second after looking to touch down the ball after a spill from Barrett.
Willie le Roux – 8
Le Roux was one of the standout performers for the Springboks, providing a reliable presence at fullback. He showed his attacking flair and made some crucial interventions in defense.
Replacements:
Malcolm Marx – 7
Marx injected energy into the game when he came off the bench just after half time, making his presence felt in both the set pieces and open play. His powerful ball-carrying ability provided a much-needed boost for the Boks.
Thomas du Toit – 6
Du Toit entered the game in the second half and added solidity to the scrum.
Vincent Koch – 5.5
The Stade Francais prop had limited time on the field, and despite his best efforts, he couldn’t influence the game significantly during his brief 20 minute cameo.
RG Snyman – 7
Snyman made his presence felt with his physicality and imposing stature. Strong argument that he deserves a shot at the starting jersey.
Pieter-Steph du Toit – 6
Provided his usual industrious work rate from the bench. However, he couldn’t quite provide the game-changing moments that were needed.
Duane Vermeulen – 6
Vermeulen brought his experience and physicality to the match, playing practically an entire half. He made his tackles count but couldn’t tip the scales in the Springboks’ favour.
Grant Williams – 6
Solid after coming on for Faf de Klerk in the 51st minute.
Manie Libbok – 7
Was a significant improvement on Damien Willemse when he came on.
Comments on RugbyPass
Great to see NZ 7s teams finally coming into form and playing at the level that is expected of them.
2 Go to commentsChief Cheapshot on the market again.
1 Go to commentsCrusaders went all in to buy Hotham and Kemara staight from Hamilton Boys. Then they picked up Reihana and Hohepa; all have been dropped for superstar Havili, who is a very good fullback, that’s it. Ennor and Goodhue were schoolboy stars too but went backwards at the Crusaders. Maybe they have finally decided to give another poach Levi Aumua the ball?
10 Go to commentsJoe S has some talent to pick from. The Reds loosies look the best in Super? Aus might just give Razor a headache this year. Int. experience v Cantab greenhorn:) Should be fun.
10 Go to commentsEnd to end play, “THE FANS” this game was entertainment of the best. The conditions added to the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsSorry to say, but sadly the sadas were just ordinary and havilli at 10 as an abs selection just won’t cut it. He’s better suited in the centre’s and is a victim of past charge down kicks, he’s too slow under pressure. There’s better talent further north and I don’t mean dmac however I believe razor will sort him out. A feature of his presents on the park is the fact that the guys will follow him.
10 Go to commentsMarler was brilliant throughout both in the scrum and open play. His slap made virtually no contact with Ramos who milked it for a penalty when he could have been a decent sportsman and laughed it off, it was non-violent and shouldn't have been penalised. Smith failed repeatedly to kick when necessary and put up a couple of bombs into the TLS 22 that just handed back possession at key moments to the other side.
3 Go to commentsCros was outstanding and rightly awarded France TVs player of the match award. Mallia was brilliant as usual (the y is below the 6 on a UK keyboard and he deserves better than that). Level also seems to have been scored harshly as he walked the ball into touch under pressure from a Lynagh kick from well outside his own half which should never have led to a 50-22. Agree with BullShark that Dupont, while class at times, seemed to go missing for patches in the second half with props, hookers and wings frequently filling in at 9 as he couldn't get off the deck and up to the next ruck on time. A 7 by his standards at best, his kicking was also too long, too often. Kinghorn's overall contribution was worth well more than a five.
3 Go to commentsThe Harlequins team must be in minus figures. Did the reporter actually watch the game?
3 Go to commentsHow on earth did Walker escape a red card? Not dangerous? Dupont has his face in a mask earlier this season. Shocking decision. What is the point of TMOs? We had the Fassi ‘non-penalty try’ yesterday and now this.
2 Go to commentsCould have been a different result but yet again French tv able to affect the result by not showing the very clear high shot on harlequin centre if this would have been on a French player would have been on screen at least five times
3 Go to commentsAmazing. The losing team’s ratings are higher than the winning team’s. Mallia definitely didn’t deserve a y. What game were you watching? Should have got a w or an x. ADP hardly featured in that second half. At one point I wondered when he’d been subbed. Seems to me as if he gets an automatic 9 just for getting onto the team sheet.
3 Go to commentsI’m sorry. That second half was far from enthralling. It was painful to watch.
2 Go to commentsVery generous! If you’d missed the game, reading this you’d conclude that it was the Quins front row that cost them the game. Marler getting a blanket 6 for his demented contribution to the game. Puzzling.
3 Go to commentsCan’t see Toulouse beating Leinster at this rate.
7 Go to commentsADP was having a very average game until winning that penalty for Toulouse, sticking his big head in the way. “The head of God”?
7 Go to commentsHarlequins doing their best to do as little damage as possible with all the possession. Looks like they skipped catch and pass drills this week.
7 Go to commentsSeeing pictures of Jacques high-fiving it with Irish players breaks my heart. Too soon. I need more time.
1 Go to commentsquins is all over the place. The minute they get the ball they panic. Quins can still win tho just need to win all rucks otherwise just don't bother.
7 Go to commentsGreat wins for the male & female kiwi sides. Ireland not far away..
2 Go to comments