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South Africa v Argentina - Springboks player ratings

Handre Pollard notched 31 points for the Springboks in their match with the Pumas. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

Handre Pollard scored 31 points as South Africa thrashed Argentina 46-13 in Salta Saturday to win the Rugby Championship for the first time.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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O
Oh no, not him again? 2 hours ago
England internationals disagree on final play execution vs All Blacks

Okay, so we blew it big time on Saturday. So rather than repeating what most people have all ready said, what do I want to see from Borthwick going forward?


Let's keep Marcus Smith on the pitch if he's fit and playing well. I was really pleased with his goal kicking. It used to be his weakness. I feel sympathy for George Ford who hadn't kicked all match and then had a kick to win the game. You hear pundits and commentators commend kickers who have come off the bench and pulled that off. Its not easy. If Steve B continues to substitute players with no clear reason then he is going to get criticised.


On paper I thought England would beat NZ if they played to their potential and didn't show NZ too much respect. Okay, the off the ball tackles certainly stopped England scoring tries, but I would have liked to see more smashing over gainlines and less kicking for position. Yes, I also know it's the Springbok endorsed world cup double winning formula but the Kiwi defence isn't the Bok defence, is it. If you have the power to put Smith on the front foot then why muzzle him? I guess what I'm saying is back, yourself. Why give the momentum to a team like NZ? Why feed the beast? Don't give the ball to NZ. Well d'uh.


Our scrum is a long term weakness. If you are going to play Itoje then he needs an ogre next door and a decent front row. Where is our third world class lock? Where are are realible front row bench replacements? The England scrum has been flakey for a while now. It blows hot and cold. Our front five bench is not world class.


On the positive side I love our starting backrow right now. I'd like to see them stick together through to the next world cup.


Anyway, there is always another Saturday.

7 Go to comments
C
CO 2 hours ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

Robertson is more a manager of coaches than a coach so it comes down to intent of outcomes at a high level. I like his intent, I like the fact his Allblacks are really driving the outcomes however as he's pointed out the high error rates are not test level and their control of the game is driving both wins and losses. England didn't have to play a lot of rugby, they made far fewer mistakes and were extremely unlucky not to win.


In fact the English team were very early in their season and should've been comfortably beaten by an Allblacks team that had played multiple tests together.


Razor has himself recognised that to be the best they'll have to sort out the crisis levels of mistakes that have really increased since the first two tests against England.


Early tackles were a classic example of hyper enthusiasm to not give an inch, that passion that Razor has achieved is going to be formidable once the unforced errors are eliminated.


That's his secret, he's already rebuilt the passion and that's the most important aspect, its inevitable that he'll now eradicate the unforced errors. When that happens a fellow tier one nation is going to get thrashed. I don't think it will be until 2025 though.


The Allblacks will lose both tests against Ireland and France if they play high error rates rugby like they did against England.


To get the unforced errors under control he's going to be needing to handover the number eight role to Sititi and reset expectations of what loose forwards do. Establish a clear distinction with a large, swarthy lineout jumper at six that is a feared runner and dominant tackler and a turnover specialist at seven that is abrasive in contact. He'll then need to build depth behind the three starters and ruthlessly select for that group to be peaking in 2027 in hit Australian conditions on firm, dry grounds.


It's going to help him that Savea is shifting to the worst super rugby franchise where he's going to struggle behind a beaten pack every week.


The under performing loose forward trio is the key driver of the high error rates and unacceptable turn overs due to awol link work. Sititi is looking like he's superman compared to his openside and eight.


At this late stage in the season they shouldn't be operating with just the one outstanding loose forward out of four selected for the English test. That's an abject failure but I think Robertson's sacrificing link quality on purpose to build passion amongst the junior Allblacks as they see the reverential treatment the old warhorses are receiving for their long term hard graft.


It's unfortunately losing test matches and making what should be comfortable wins into nail biters but it's early in the world cup cycle so perhaps it's a sacrifice worth making.


However if this was F1 then Sam Cane would be Riccardo and Ardie would be heading into Perez territory so the loose forwards desperately need revitalisation through a rebuild over the next season to complement the formidable tight five.

28 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ England need to face a few home truths if they are to relearn that winning habit England need to face a few home truths if they are to relearn that winning habit
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