The All Blacks won the second Rugby Championship test against the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday, winning 35-23.
Ian Foster’s New Zealand side scored four tries from Boxing Jacques Ninaber’s two strikes.
Here’s how I rated the Bok players out of 10.
Damian Willemse – 8: The full-back is Boca’s most improved player at this level by a long shot. He was yellow carded early on for interfering with the All Blacks attack, but he was superb in everything he did, especially after switching to center when Jesse Krill came off the field. He made a number of tackles (14 – the most for the Boks) and was full of attacking intent. His distribution was also top notch.
Jesse Krill: Not evaluated. The winger left early after a heavy header and did not return.
Lukhanyo Am – 8: The best center in the world – and the best wing too. He had to move wide early on after Krill left, but that was no problem for the star midfielder. He scored a great try, made several wide tackles and ran with speed and power. A truly impressive display once again.
Damian de Allende – 6: Rushed hard a few times and broke a few tackles, but never made the impact he usually does. Made some key tackles but also missed a few this time.
Makazole Mapimpi – 7: The winger scored a superb try moments after being denied and remains a key man for the Boks. Full of heart and energy, Mapimpi ran and ran well and made some big tackles.
Handre Pollard – 7: The striker’s goal kicking was top notch, he hit a powerful shot from 55 meters and was tactically accurate as well. He did, however, miss an early tackle that cost the Boks and he never really threatened with the ball in hand.
Jaden Hendricks – 6: He’s generally good with his forehand kicks, his passing is very accurate, but he’ll need to add some variety to his game to become a real threat.
Duane Vermeulen – 6: The veteran star eased back into the Test squad and was replaced after just 35 minutes. He took the kickoff well and had a strong drive, but had little to no impact on the game.
Peter-Steph du Toit – 7: The blindside flanker is slowly getting back to his best. He enjoyed a busy game with some good runs, an interception that almost led to a try, some tackles in the lineout and some big tackles. He also missed a few tackles.
Siya Kolisi – 6: The captain was unexpectedly sent off in the 10th minute of the second half. With the ball in hand or on the ground, he didn’t really make a shot, but he did make some key tackles.
Lud de Jager – 7: The big lock was a busy man with a lot of line tackles and a number of tackles (13 – the most by any forward). He made no impact as a ball carrier and was substituted after 51 minutes.
Eben Etzebet – 6: For the second week in a row, the big castle just wasn’t ordinary. He took the ball on the line and made nine tackles, but he never had a chance to get his team over the line of scrimmage.
Frans Malerb – 8: The man who celebrated 50 Tests had another big game, for the time being. He made a whopping 12 tackles and won his team several penalties in the scrimmage.
Joseph Dweba – 3: Unfortunately, it was not the best day for a prostitute. He gave away a free kick in the first scrimmage, missed his jumpers at the line and was fouled several times. Only lasted 30 minutes before being replaced.
Ox Nche – 6: The sack support didn’t make much of an impact, although he tackled well and made some big tackles.
Malcolm Marx – 7: He didn’t have the same impact as Mbombela but still got a good start after coming off in the 30th minute. Mostly found his jumpers, made some tackles (11) and won the turnover which saw Mapimpi score a try.
Steven Kitsgoff – 7: The prop winger came on before the break and made a big impact with eight tackles in his time on the field. Twisted well.
Vincent Koch – 6: Came on early in the second half, tackled well and made a few tackles, but it was a quiet performance from a busy man.
Frank Mostert – 7: The bench utility made some telling tackles after entering the game in the second half and also kicked a few goals on the line. Brought energy to the Box.
Jasper Wiese – 8: He came on before half-time in place of Vermeulen and enjoyed another strong performance. He carried the ball well on several occasions, side-stepping it across the gain line, and also made a strong tackle.
Quagga Smith – 6: The versatile loose forward had a quiet game after getting his chance in the second half; he made a few tackles but had little impact.
Herschel Janties: Unranked, appeared at the end of the game.
Willy Le Roux – 7: He got out early for Kriel and enjoyed a solid outing; made some good passes including for Ammo’s try, his positional play was good and he kicked well.
