Springboks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series
Springboks player ratings: That’s more like it. It wasn’t a perfect performance – South Africa held a slender five point lead at half time – but a resounding second half saw them canter to a 63-21 win in Genoa. At the heart of it was a flying winger and a fly-half who each proved what a difference it makes when a player is actually playing in his appropriate position.
Kurt-Lee Arendse was lethal out wide and bagged two tries and set another one up. It was Mani Libbok, though, who was perhaps the most valuable player (if not the official man of the match). On as a replacement in the second period, he electrified the Springboks’ backline and offered a glimpse of his potential.
The powerful pack was back at their best but it was the men with nitroglycerin in their boots that stole the show.
15. Willie le Roux – 8
Occupied a more traditional fullback position as compared to last week’s game in Marseille but was just as effective with ball in hand. Played the final pass for two of South Africa’s nine tries and was instrumental in inciting several backline moves that yielded points. Grows in importance with every performance.
14. Cheslin Kolbe – 7
Scored a breathtaking try straight from a South African restart where he le[t in the air, gathered the ball, and accelerated upon landing to dot down. That proved to be his last act though as he tweaked his hamstring in the process. Slotted three kicks at goal and was busy on the wing before being substituted for Manie Libbok on 47 minutes.
Kolbe grabs a brilliant opportunist's try but hurts himself in the process ?#ITAvRSA #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/XGBwZArY4r
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 19, 2022
13. Damian de Allende – 5
Seems to be on a zealous crusade to prove that he can kick a rugby ball. He certainly can, just not in any way that positively impacts his team. On two occasions he hoofed the ball when either holding or passing would have been a better option. He made just 27 metres with ball in hand from five carries and made just six passes. One wonders if that’s the last we see of him in the 13 jersey.
12. Andre Esterhuizen – 6
Mostly used as a battering ram he punched holes in midfield and offered go-forward when on the charge. One off-load was the extent of his creative output but was solid enough in the job he was asked to perform.
11. Kurt-Lee Arendse – 9
Someone at World Rugby needs to explain how this hot-stepper wasn’t shortlisted for breakthrough player of the year. With two tries across 80 minutes, he now has six from six Tests. It often seemed as if he’d been cloned such was his constant involvement in the match. Showed great strength to finish the first try of the game and demonstrated his blistering speed in setting up the final South African score as he cut infield off the right touchline. Outstanding show and rightly named player of the match.
10. Damian Willemse – 8
Took control at first receiver but still dazzled with some swift footwork when cornered by the Italian defence. Responsible for finding space for the opening try as he dummied then stepped before a delayed pass to le Roux created the opportunity out wide. Moved to the wing when Libbok came on for Kolbe and scored a try to cap off a tidy match.
South Africa bring on the bird squad ? #ITAvRSA #AutumnNationsSeries pic.twitter.com/In1brBGeww
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 19, 2022
9. Faf de Klerk – 6
Gave away a cheap penalty and gifted Italy three points when the game was still in the balance after straying offside from a Kolbe clearing kick. In a way that summed up de Klerk’s game as he often lapsed in concentration or made the wrong choice. He began the game by sniping down the blindside when recycling and shovelling it along would have been the sensing option. Not a disaster, but hardly a vintage display. Off for Cobus Reinach on 68 minutes.
Ox Nche – 7
Another strong performance in the scrum and in close quarters. Made 11 carries and was successful in every tackle attempt. Off for Steven Kitshoff on 49 minutes.
2. Bongi Mbonambi – 6
Did well to burrow over from close range to score and improved his line-out throwing (though he did miss his target once). Loses points here for being reprimanded by the referee after incessant moaning. Given the recent behaviour of Rassie Erasmus, one would hope that senior players would be conscious of their image and relationship with the officials. Off for Malcom Marx on 49 minutes.
3. Frans Malherbe – 7
Heavily involved all over the park while still performing his primary job of anchoring the Springboks scrum. Seemed to clear out every second ruck and carried over 20 metres. One of the best in the business in his position. Off for Vincent Koch on 49 minutes.
4. Salmaan Moerat – 6
Was a constant presence in the line-out and did well on maul defence duties, winning the ball back with Italy threatening the line. Also won two turnovers in the first half. Off for Eben Etzebeth on 43 minutes.
5. Marvin Orie – 6
Solid without being spectacular. The Springboks depth in the second row has been tested with Lood de Jager and RG Snyman, and both Moerat and Orie gave a good account of themselves. They’re clearly lower down in the pecking order, but they showed they’re able to step up when called upon. Off for Kwagga Smith on 50 minutes.
6. Siya Kolisi – 8
Grew as the game went on, the Springboks skipper was excellent across the park. Mostly found himself in the trams where he acted as a de facto centre at times, straightening the line and then picking the right pass at the right time, including a tray assist for Willemse. Energetic around the rucks his speed to the breakdown was impressive.
7. Franco Mostert – 6
Handy as a lineout option but failed to boss the tight channels in the way that a more hard-hitting loose forward might. Definitely improved when he shifted to the second row. Proved his versatility but also his limitations.
8. Jasper Wiese – 7
A few busting runs but was well marshalled by the Italian defence. Didn’t quite exert himself around the fringes but did charge through a half gap when he picked the right line, proving that he’s more than just a mindless blunt object. Also stole the ball on the ground on two occasions. Off for Evan Roos on 59 mins.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Malcolm Marx – 8
On his day he’s the best hooker in the world and he wasn’t far from his best on this occasion. Scored South Africa’s fourth try in the second half from the back of a rolling maul but that was just one involvement across a half hour that had everything. Capped it off with an important steal five metres from his own line at the death, showing his value on either side of the ball. On for Mbonambi on 49 minutes.
17. Steven Kitshoff – 7
Showed immense strength to score from close range, shrugging off a tackle as if he’d been tapped in a pillow fight. Performed his job as expected. On for Nche on 49 minutes.
18. Vincent Koch – 6
Not much to praise or critique. A good hit out for an integral member of the Bomb Squad. On for Malherbe on 49 minutes.
19. Eben Etzebeth – 8
South Africa were in danger of letting slip a must-win game before Etzebeth came on. He immediately crunched Ange Capuozzo with a bone rattling tackle and then disrupted an Italian line-out, winning the ball back. His first carry of substance attracted the attention of multiple defenders which then opened space in other areas, resulting in a try for Arendse on the left. A big player having a big impact off the bench. Someone needs to make a case for why he wasn’t nominated for World Rugby’s player of the year.On for Moerat on 43 minutes.
20. Kwagga Smith – 8
Injected needed pace into the Boks back three as well as some slick runs and neat passes.. Demonstrated he has grunt to go with his guile by crashing over for a score under the posts. Such an asset off the bench. On for Orie on 50 minutes.
21. Evan Roos – 6
A tidy show. He made three carries without setting the house on fire. Still, that’s another cap for this exciting talent. On for Wiese on 59 mins.
22. Cobus Reinach – 7
Scored a try set up by his teammates, added a bit of sparkle with his pace. His work was made easier as the Springbok pack began to flex their muscles. On for de Klerk on 67 min
23. Manie LIbbok – 9/10
Sensational. The performance that Springboks fans were hoping for. Showed what a difference a genuine 10 makes to the game. First introduction was to straighten the attack after gathering the ball much shallower than either le Roux or Willemse had done, he then ignited a move that culminated in a South Africa try. Expertly bisected the poles with difficult kicks on the periphery as well. His ability to bring teammates into play by shooting the ball to them at the apex of their run was a joy to watch. Is he the missing ingredient? One game doesn’t mean a whole lot, but there is something to work with. Wouldn’t be surprising if he starts at fly-half against England next week. On for Kolbe on 48 mins.
Comments on RugbyPass
Lets compare apples with apples. Lyon sent weak team the week before, but nobody raised an eyebrow. Give the South African teams a few years to build their depth, then you will be moaning that the teams are too strong.
41 Go to commentsDid footballs agents also perform the scout role at some time? I’m surprised more high profile players haven’t taken up the occupation, great way to remain in the game and use all that experience without really requiring a lot of specific expertise?
1 Go to commentsSuper rugby is struggling but that has little to do with sabbaticals. 1. Too many teams from Aust and NZ - should be 3 and 4 respectively, add in 2 from Japan, 1 possibly 2 from Argentina. 2. Inconsistent and poor refereeing, admittedly not restricted to Super rugby. Only one team was reffed at the breakdown in Reds v H’Landers match. Scrum penalty awarded in Canes v Drua when No 8 had the ball in the open with little defence nearby - ideal opportunity to play advantage. Coming back to Reds match - same scrum situation but ref played advantage - Landers made 10 yards and were penalised at the breakdown when the ref should have returned to scrum penalty. 3. Marketing is weak and losing ground to AFL and NRL. Playing 2 days compared with 4. 4. Scheduling is unattractive to family attendance. Have any franchises heard of Sundays 2pm?
10 Go to commentsAbsolutely..all they need is a chance in yhe playoffs and I bet all the other teams will be nervous…THEY KNOW HOW TO WIN IM THE PLAYOFFS..
2 Go to commentsI really hope he comes back and helps out with some coaching.
1 Go to commentsI think we are all just hoping that the Olympic 7s doesn’t suffer the same sad fate as the last RWC with the officials ruining the spectacle.
1 Go to commentsPersonally, I’ve lost the will to even be bothered about the RFU, the structure, the participants. It’s all a sham. I now simply enjoy getting a group of friends together to go and watch a few games a year in different locations (including Europe, the championship, etc). I feel extremely sorry for the real fans of these clubs who are constantly ignored by the RFU and other administrators. I feel especially sorry for the fans of clubs in the Championship who have had considerable central funding stripped away and are then expected to just take whatever the RFU put to them. Its all a sham, especially if the failed clubs are allowed to return.
9 Go to commentsI’m guessing Carl Hayman would have preferred to have stayed in NZ with benefit of hindsight. Up north there is the expectation to play twice as many games with far less ‘player management’ protocols that Paul is now criticising. Less playing through concussions means longer, healthier, careers. Carter used as the eg here by Paul, his sabbatical allowed him to play until age 37. OK its not an exact science but there is far more expectations on players who sign for Top 14 or Engl Prem clubs to get value for the huge salaries. NZR get alot wrong but keeping their best players in NZ rugby is not one of them. SA clubs are virtually devoid of their top players now, no thanks. They cant threaten the big teams in the Champions Cup, the squads have little depth. Cant see Canes/Chiefs struggling. Super has been great this year, fantastic high skill matches. Drua a fantastic addition and Jaguares will add another quality team eventually. Aus teams performing strongly and no doubt will benefit with the incentive of a Lions tour and a home RWC. Let Jordie enjoy his time with Leinster, it will allow the opportunity for another player to emerge at Canes in his absence.
10 Go to commentsLove that man, his way to despise angry little men is so funny ! 😂
4 Go to comments“South African franchises would be powerhouses if we had all our overseas based players back in situ. We would have the same unbeatable aura the Toulouses, Leinsters or Saracens of this world have had over the last decade or so.” Proof that Jake white does not understand the economics of the game in SA. Players earning abroad are not going to simply come back and represent the bulls. But they might if they have a springbok contract.
22 Go to commentsA lot of fans just joined in for the fun of it! We all admire O'Gara and what he has done for La Rochelle
4 Go to commentsThe RFU will find a way to mess this up as usual. My bet is there will be no promotion into the the Premiership, only relegation into National League One. Hopefully they won’t parachute failed clubs into the league at the expense of clubs who have battled for promotion.
9 Go to commentsWell that’s the contracts for RG and Jordie bought and paid for. Now, what are the chances we can persuade Antoine to hop over with all the extra dosh we’ll have from living at the Aviva & Croke next season…??? 🤑🤑🤑
35 Go to commentsWow, that’s incredible. Great for rugby.
35 Go to commentsYou probably read that parling is going to coach the wallaby lineout but if not before now you have.
14 Go to commentsIf someone like Leo Cullen was in O’Gara’s place I don’t hear Boo-ing. It’s not just that La Rochelle has hurt Leinster and O’Gara is their Irish boss. It’s the needle that he brings and the pantomime activity before the game around pretending that Munster were supporting LaRochelle just because O’Gara is from Cork. That’s dividing Irish provinces just to get an advantage for his French Team. He can F*ck right off with that. BOOOOO! (but not while someone is lying injured)
4 Go to commentsDid the highlanders party too hard before the game? They were the pits.
1 Go to commentsWhat a player! Not long until he’s in the England side, surely?
5 Go to commentsHe seems to have the same aura as Marcus Smith - by which I mean he’s consistently judged as if he’s several years younger than he actually is. Mngomezulu has played 24 times for the Stormers. When Pollard was his age he had played 24 times for South Africa! He has more time to develop, but he has also had time to do some developing already, and he hasn’t demonstrated nearly as much talent in that time as one would expect. If he is a generational talent, then it must be a pretty poor generation.
6 Go to commentsThe greatest Springbok coach of all time is entirely on the money. Rassie and Jacques have given the south african public a great few years, but the success of the springbok selection policy will need to be judged in light of what comes next. The poor condition that the provincial system is currently in doesn’t bode well for the next few years of international rugby, and the insane 2026 schedule that the Boks have lined up could also really harm both provincial and international consistency.
22 Go to comments