Aus v SA: Wallaby player ratings
Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:00
Australia started their Tri-Nations campaign on a winning note when they outmuscled South Africa to record a 16-9 victory in a bruising encounter at Subiaco Oval, Perth, on Saturday.
It was not the Springboks' best performance of the series, but Robbie Deans' Wallabies took another giant step forward after their World Cup disappointment last year. They are now unbeaten in four matches under their new coach, Deans.
rugby365 editor Jan de Koning rates the Australian players!
15 Adam Ashley-Cooper:
Certainly not his best game - gave away an early penalty, his ball control lacked at times and he also put a couple of kicks out on the full. 4/10
14 Peter Hynes:
His stocks keep rising with every game. Solid under the high ball, a couple of great runs and very good on defence. 7/10
13 Stirling
Mortlock (captain):
The rock of the Wallaby backline as always. Solid on defence and a huge threat on attack with his strong running. The Aussie backline was not the same when he left the field in the 49th minute. 8/10
12 Berrick Barnes:
Started a bit shaky - a kick out of hand that was too long and a poor drop-goal attempt. But once he settled down he was the perfect partner for Mortlock - great vision this young man. 7/10
11 Lote Tuqiri:
Also took a while to get into the game, often running sideways more than forward. But a strong second-half and a great finish to score the try late in the first half that put the Wallabies in control. 6/10
10 Matt Giteau:
The Wallaby backline general as usual. While he didn't do too much that could be called 'flashy', he was solid and made no mistakes. 6/10
9 Luke
Burgess:
Probably the worst of the Wallaby backs. His passing was shocking at times and he only made one half-decent break. 4/10
8 Wycliff Palu:
Another disappointment in the Wallaby side. Gave away a couple of penalties and was generally too quiet. Didn't see enough of those powerful runs he is so famous for. 5/10
7 George Smith:
The star of the Wallaby team, causing the Springboks trouble at the breakdown throughout the game. The South Africans may question the legality of his tactics, but if the referee doesn't blow him, why should he stop doing it? 8/10
6 Rocky Elsom:
Another solid performance from this Wallaby flank, who has skill, pace and power in equal measures. 6/10
5 Nathan Sharpe:
The tower of the Wallaby line-outs and one of the few players who can match Victor Matfield. His
workrate and physical presence are other great attributes. 7/10
4 James Horwill:
He was solid, rather than spectacular, but he didn't shirk his work. 6/10
3 Al Baxter:
Was penalised in the scrums early on and looked in trouble, but settled down later. 5/10
2 Stephen Moore:
Showed lots of energy and was full of running, producing a couple of good carries. 6/10
1 Benn Robinson:
Very quiet in general play, but steady in the scrums. 5/10
Replacements (20 minutes or more to be rated):
21 Ryan Cross (on for Mortlock in the 49th minute):
One strong run and solid on defence. 6/10
16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Hugh McMeniman and 20 Sam Cordingley (came on in the 73rd minute - not enough time to rate).
19 Phil Waugh (came on in the 77th minute - not enough time to rate).
