Springboks player ratings vs Wales | 3rd Test July 2022
It was not perfect and it was perhaps more of a slog than most pundits would have expected. However, South Africa wrapped up their three-Test series against Wales with a 30-14 win in Cape Town on Saturday.
There were some promising signs that the Springboks are improving, but it was the famous Bomb Squad that secured this win.
Jan de Koning rates the South African players:
15 Damian Willemse – 8
Great chasing and beating player in the air. Was moved to inside centre after Kolbe left the field. Produced a big hit on defence under pressure deep inside Bok territory. Made great calls on defence and some impressive carries.
14 Cheslin Kolbe – 5
Was exposed on defence a few times and left the field with a suspected jaw fracture after just 20 minutes.
13 Lukhanyo Am – 5
Sublime chip for Mapimpi, who just put a foot into touch. He struggled when he moved to the wing and made some errors in judgement.
12 Damian de Allende – 5
Had a couple of powerful carries. However, conceded a few penalties and mistimed as many tackles as he made.
11 Makazole Mapimpi – 5
Chased hard and tackled well. Was penalised for head contact late in first half and lost his contest with George North.
10 Handre Pollard – 6
His kicking was far more clinical and ran into the gap between two forwards for the opening try. However, made some poor decisions and while better, still not up to his World Cup standard.
9 Jaden Hendrikse – 6
Showed a great turn of pace down the right wing, but unfortunately, the pass to Am was forward. Did the basics well, but conceded a few turnovers.
8 Jasper Wiese – 6
Impressive with the ball in hand, with 11 carries in the first half. Made his tackles and worked hard at the breakdown, but conceded two turnovers. Subbed just before half-time.
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit – 6
His work on defence and wi ball in hand is improving. He clearly enjoys the additional game time at this level. However, he conceded a soft penalty after a warning as well as a couple of turnovers.
6 Siyamthanda Kolisi – 7
His best game of the season. Some really powerful carries and crucial try. It was not flawless, but his work rate was impressive.
5 Lodewyk de Jager – 6
Was powerful with ball in hand, making some decent metres with a couple of his runs. Did his work in the set pieces and slipped just one tackle.
4 Eben Etzebeth – 8
Showed great endeavour and had plenty of carries. Showed good turn of pace and made all his tackles. Some great pressure at the breakdown and a crucial charge down early in the second half when Wales looked to be having the momentum.
3 Frans Malherbe – 6
Unfortunately his work rate outside of the set pieces – where he was impressive – remains a concern.
2 Mbongeni Mbonambi – 6
Great in the set pieces and good value for his try. Didn’t get many metres for his five carries, but made all his tackles.
1 Trevor Nyakane – 6
Powerful scrumming – again showed he is comfortable on both the tighthead and (in this case) loosehead side. However, he also penalised at a couple of scrums. His work rate outside the set pieces also still a concerns.
Replacements:
16 Malcolm Marx – 7
Brought the power game, with some very impressive carries – especially in the final 10 minutes. Also won a crucial turnover penalty.
Wales tried their all but the Springboks were just too dominant ? pic.twitter.com/08tXD7UD3K
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) July 16, 2022
17 Steven Kitshoff – 5
Not his usual self, making no impact with ball in hand. Another player who needs to improve his work rate.
18 Vincent Koch – 6
Some impressive carrying and a high work rate, with his only downside the two missed tackles.
19 Franco Mostert – 5
Brought some energy, but a penalty at a maul late in the second half and a missed the let-downs.
20 Kwagga Smith – 9
His first action was winning a turnover inside his own 22 and then another crucial turnover close to his line n the final 10 minutes. Plenty of energy and made good ground with ball in hand. Add in his seven tackles and he was the most productive player for the Boks.
21 Elrigh Louw – NA
Not enough time to be rated.
22 Francois de Klerk – 6
Did the basics well and was a menace on defence.
23 Willie le Roux – 7
Solid at the back and brought some much-needed energy on attack. His vision added a real threat to the Bok attack.
Comments on RugbyPass
Not good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 Go to comments