NZ v SA: Bok Player ratings
Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:24
South Africa, after a thrilling 30-28 win over New Zealand in Dunedin on Saturday, are back at the top of the world rankings - the No.1 team.
However, a number of individuals also produced significantly improved performances from the previous week's loss - while some All Black stocks dropped significantly.
rugby365 editor Jan de Koning rates the Springbok players!
15 - Percy Montgomery:
The rock of the South African backline - fearless under the high ball and great touchfinders, while missing just one penalty kick at goal. Was surprised when he was subbed in the 60th minute. 8/10
14 - JP Pietersen:
Great on defence, as usual and took his chances. His workrate could be better. 7/10
13 - Adrian Jacobs:
He really tried hard and looked good early on, but a missed tackle and
penalty conceded undid the good work. 6/10
12 - Jean de Villiers:
Always dangerous on attack and a rock on defence. It is very clear why he is rated as arguably the best inside centre in the world. 7/10
11 - Bryan Habana:
Certainly back to his best. Full of running and always looking for work, although his incessant inside cutting is becoming predictable. 7/10
10 - Butch James:
A real mixed bag from him at flyhalf. Some real great play was undone with a silly grubber that handed the ball back to the All Blacks and a crucial missed tackle. 6/10
9 - Ricky Januarie:
He is taking his chances in the absence of the injured Fourie du Preez. Not the finished article yet and some silly moments, but that can be forgiven after his brilliant individual try - a sniping break from a ruck, chip-'n-chase and a great
collect for a match-winning score. 8/10
8 - Joe van Niekerk:
Did some really great work off the back of a scrum to set up JP Pietersen's try - which he may well have scored himself. Still gives away the odd penalty, but all round a better showing. 6/10
7 - Juan Smith:
Without peer in South Africa as a blindside flank and his tireless work around the park often goes unseen. 7/10
6 - Schalk Burger:
Has there ever been a more energetic player on the park? Certainly not in a South African jersey. He tackles enough for three players. 8/10
5 - Victor Matfield (captain):
The yellow car can be debated, but we'll accept that as a black mark on his name. But other than that he stood head-and-shoulders above the Kiwis in the line-out and his workrate was great also. 7/10
4 -
Bakkies Botha:
The Boks' enforcer and another player who pushes the limits of the laws. Got a ticking off, but great value t his team. 7/10
3 - CJ van der Linde:
Far better scrumming performance, but he needs to work on his skills (like holding onto the ball) and needs to up his workrate. 5/10
2 - Bismarck du Plessis:
Another of the Boks' tireless forwards, who does so much damage round the park. His physical presence complimented that of Botha. 7/10
1 - Gürthro Steenkamp:
Certainly did what was required of him in the scrums and for that he deserved a big pat on the back. 6/10
Replacements used:
16 - Schalk Brits:
ON for Du Plessis in the 73rd minute. Not long enough to rate.
17 - Brian Mujati:
On for Steenkamp in the 54th
minute. Stood firm in the scrums, but did little else. 5/10
18 - Andries Bekker:
On for Botha as blood replacement in the 50th minute and a permanent sub in the 66th minute. Some good tackles, but otherwise quiet. 6/10
19 - Luke Watson:
On for Van Niekerk in the 60th minute - poor call by the coach. Still looking for a rugby reason for his selection. He just got in the way and the worst of the Boks. 3/10
20 - Ruan Pienaar:
On for James in the 73rd minute. Not long enough to be rated.
21 - François Steyn:
On for Jacobs in the 47th minute. Another poor call by the coach as Steyn had a shocker. Poor kicking out of hand, wasted an opportunity with a drop-goal attempt, his usual knock-on - but made good with a match-winning conversion. 4/10
22 - Conrad Jantjes:
On for
Montgomery in the 60th minute. Steady, without being spectacular. 5/10
