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Springboks player ratings vs All Blacks | 2023 Rugby Championship
By Ian Cameron
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
LE ROUX COULD NOT CATCH A FUCKING BALL
Why is no ratings of the other side??? How can you compare these ratings?
The ABs kicking out-of-hand was sublime and Boks just couldn't handle the aerial bombardment. I don't agree with rating of Willie Le Roux. He missed tackles and spilt catches. Not a good performance.
I am really not impressed by the coach's selection policy, play your best team first as did the All blacks. To go without a proven goal kicker and general at 10 to dictate the flow of the game always gonna loose you games. After all there was improvement in the second half. Nienaber really needs to take a hard look at some if his first choices some of them did not pitched up.
The number of missed tackles and first defenders beaten in the first few minutes was really the story of the game. Credit to NZ. It was always going to be tough to come back from that start. I can't imagine any team has come back from a 17 point deficit and beaten the ABs.
Boks seemed strangely complacent, and inaccurate.
Stodgy and well beaten. Last years game.
The best team won. Almost by my 20-point prediction - but for a soft consolation try at the death. I for one am not even remotely surprised.
Interesting. I haven't watched the game yet but I have two contrasting opinions for Mr de Allende:
'The powerful inside centre impressed when he did get his hands on the ball, drawing in multiple defenders. He made a great tackle and turnover on Rieko Ioane but also had some soft moments, including a silly knock-on from the goal-line dropout. One of the better performers in the backs but far from his best. [6]
- Jared Wright, Planet Rugby
'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. [5]"Mapimpi had a relatively quiet game by his high standards."
According to Grant Nisbet he was everywhere/everyone. I don't know who to believe, who is Mapimpi? Are you Mapimpi? Am I Mapimpi?