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Springboks player ratings vs Wales | Qatar Airways Cup
By Jack Tunney
In front of an expectant crowd the Springboks built upon last year’s World Cup victory with an important victory over Wales at Twickenham this afternoon. It was their first outing since picking up their historic record fourth Word Cup in October when they defeated the All Blacks in an emotional evening in Paris.
This is how we rated the world champions in todays match:
1 Ox Nche – 9
A defensive masterclass from one of the world’s greatest props. Dominated the inexperienced Welsh scrum,. felt like a cheat code watching Nche deliver this exhibition. Off at 67.
2 Malcolm Marx – 4
More tackles missed than made, not a stat the experienced hooker will be proud of. Off at 45.
3 Vincent Koch – 7
Not originally named in the starting XV, but when his teammates realised it was his 50th test, he was promoted to the front. Dominant in the scrum throughout the first half. Off at 45.
4 Eben Etzebeth – 7
Incredibly quiet first half from one of the world’s greatest locks. Despite this, he didn’t look even remotely stale when called upon, particularly in the second half when his soft hands and hard hits were required. Off at 61.
5 Franco Mostert – 7
Gave away a penalty in front of posts early on, and another conceded towards the end of the first half. He also found himself on the wrong end of a turnover on more than one occasion. He redeemed himself in the second half thanks to his defensive display, putting in 11 tackles to keep a resurgent Wales team at bay.
6 Kwagga Smith – 7
Guilty of being overly enthusiastic in the ruck and gave away needless penalties during the first half. His attacking game was much the opposite, however, with his sevens background being ever present as he used his impressive footwork and size to cause chaos in the opposition defence, often needing multiple defenders to finally bring him to ground.
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit – 8
Impressive in defence popping up all over the place and getting through a boatload of attacking carries. Not a majorly special performance by his astronomical standards, but did the simple jobs well.
8 Evan Roos – 8
Devastating in the contact and an incredible line break leading up to Rio Dyer’s yellow card. Deliberate knock on towards the end of the first half did, however, led to Wales getting within one point. His powerful running throughout proves vital for a team that required gain line advantage. Off at 53.
9 Faf de Klerk – 7
He controlled the Springbok attack with impressive speed and confidence. Spent the majority off the match putting the big men into contact. On the flip side, he was guilty of losing a couple of turnovers and was a bit loose on his passes at times. Off at 52.
10 Jordan Hendrikse – 5.5
Nervy start from the boot, pushing his first kick to the right hand side of the posts. Looked to build himself into the game, but was found guilty of losing the ball on multiple occasions. Not the worst performance, but will look to push on next time.
11 Makazole Mapimpi – 6.5
Good work in the breakdown, an under appreciated skill for a winger, and looked threatening with ball in hand. Guilty of stepping ahead of Kriel for his try which was somewhat fortunate to be given. Stepped by Sam Costello in footage he will not look forward to watching back.
12 Andre Esterhuizen – 4.5
An important occasion for the giant centre, but his impact did not match it. Largely non-existent. Off at 57.
13 Jesse Kriel – 9
Calmly created and scored the first try. The shining light for the Springboks throughout the first half thanks to his impressive running abilities, defensive work and handy left boot.
14 Edwill van der Merwe – 9.5
Collected an early chip over the top well. From then on his rapid speed down the right hand side caused problems to the Welsh defence all day long. An unbelievable final try make you wonder how this 28-year-old hasn’t made his debut sooner.
15 Aphelele Fassi – 8.5
Constantly involved in the attack, providing a vital role as the Springboks looked to find space in an impressive Welsh defence. Utterly fearless under the high ball throughout, a real source of quality in the Springbok backline. Only blemish was the yellow card, but otherwise it looks like the Springboks have found a long term 15.
Substitutes
16 Bongi Mbonambi – 7
On at 45. Took on the line out throwing responsibilities and scored a rolling maul try as the Springboks reached the 30 point mark. Successful day.
17 Ntuthuko Mchunu – 6
On at 67. Made a couple of tackles as he helped to see off a Welsh side that had bent to the power of an almost full strength Springbok unit.
18 Frans Malherbe – 7
On at 45. Originally supposed to start the match instead of 50 cap Koch, but his involvement at 45 minutes allowed the impressive front rower plenty of time to make an impact of the game. A vital part of the Springbok second half scrum that caused their opponents untold issues.
19 Salmaan Moerat – 7
On at 61. Much like his impact sub teammates, Moerat was used to sure up a defence that had become too used to conceding penalties and turnovers. His impact was impressive, with his teammates receiving the benefits of his inclusion.
20 Ben-Jason Dixon – 7
On at 53. An impressive defensive display saw him make six tackles in his time on the field, providing a solid standing for a Springbok side needing reliability in a match that could have gone the other way.
21 Grant Williams – 6.5
On at 57. Added an extra running threat to the South African attack. Kept the attack close and safe, an important decision in a match that looked in the balance for much of the mid-part.
22 Sacha Mngomezulu – 7.5
On at 59. First kick of test rugby sailed through the posts from 52 metres in an indication of the confidence the young man has. Looked composed on the ball, and added an extra layer to the Springbok attack.
23 Damian de Allende – 8
On at 57. Provided that extra level of quality when he took to the field. He won a vital turnover at the breakdown in his own 22, forcing Wales to give away a penalty, and looked dangerous with ball in hand.
ADVERTISEMENT
All the newbies played well
Fortunately for Wales A stuttering bok back line display.
Very well thought out accurate player ratings
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