Player ratings: Steyn sparks Bok revival
Sun, 05 Sep 2010 11:34
South Africa suffered a heart-breaking 39-41 Tri-Nations loss against Australia, a Kurtley Beale penalty in the dying seconds sealing the victory in Bloemfontein.
However, before that injury-time kick there was an extraordinary comeback from the Springboks who shortly before half-time were 6-31 down - having conceded four first-half tries.
Bok flyhalf Morné Steyn's sublime kicking performance was the spark that brought the home team to the brink of victory, but it was not to be enough as Beale eventually broke their hearts.
Jan de Koning rates the Springbok players:
15 François Steyn:
He again lacked concentration and looked far too casual. Not the standard we've come to expect of this World Cup winner.
5/10
14 JP Pietersen:
Another disappointed showing by a quality player. He could have made more of an effort on defence
and there was also a penalty for incorrect entry at the tackle.
5/10
13 Jaque Fourie:
He was solid as always and a couple of nice half-breaks. However, his real value was in the second half on defence.
6/10
12 Jean de Villiers:
He showed his value on defence and with some strong carries in the second 40. Then there was that brilliant cut-back for his try.
6/10
11 Bryan Habana:
On merit he does not deserve his place in the side at the moment and it was not a surprise when he was replaced in the 51st minute. He conceded an early penalty, he was found wanting on defence again and missed the tackle on O'Connor that resulted in Elsom's try. In fact, it became really ugly when the crowd even started booing this great player.
2/10
10 Morné Steyn:
His first-half touch kicks were
not up to standard. But then he turned the game on its head. His distribution was much more effective after the break and he landed a beauty of a penalty from almost 60 metres out at a crucial stage in the game. His tactical kicking was also so much better after the break.
8/10
9 François Hougaard:
His first kick didn't find touch and it appeared he was almost trying too much. However, after the break he was back to the match-winning standards of last week.
7/10
8 Pierre Spies:
He showed more intent from the outset and produced a physical game. He is working his way back to his best form... slowly.
6/10
7 Juan Smith:
Really good runs with ball in hand and, as always, a monster on defence. However, like most of the Boks he had a slow start, which ultimately cost the hosts.
6/10
6 Schalk
Burger:
He was working very hard off the ball and very strong with ball in hand. But he also had his quieter moments.
6/10
5 Victor Matfield:
There was an insane chip-'n-chase to set up Jaque Fourie's try and he was supreme in the line-outs. Not his fault the Boks lost.
7/10
4 Danie Rossouw:
He did not have his best game and could have been replaced much earlier. Even his carries were less effective.
5/10
3 Jannie du Plessis:
Poor effort on defence in the first half and also conceded a penalty at the tackle. He was better after the break.
4/10
2 John Smit (captain):
The pace of the game seemed to get to him in the first half, but he was involved far more after the break and there was that brilliant one-handed pick-up off his toes. Also a great heel against
the head and was very instrumental in the Boks' comeback.
7/10
1 Gurthrö Steenkamp:
In the first half he looked like a man in dire need of a rest, but came back strong after the break - his scrumming and ball-carrying were immense.
7/10
Replacements:
16 Chiliboy Ralepelle (on for Smit, 65th min):
He worked hard on defence, but probably not enough time to make a real impact.
5/10
17 CJ van der Linde (on for Du Plessis, 55th min):
Was strong in the scrums, but he must still improve his overall work-rate.
5/10
18 Flip van der Merwe (on for Rossouw, 60th min):
As always he worked hard and made an impact, but it was a ridiculous penalty against him that gifted the Wallabies the win.
5/10
19
Ryan Kankowski (on for Spies, 65th min):
Worked hard on defence, but not enough time to make a real impact.
5/10
20 Ricky Januarie:
Not used.
21 Juan de Jongh:
Not used.
22 Gio Aplon (on for Habana, 50th min):
He showed his defensive and attacking abilities and should have started.
6/10
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