HOWTHE ABS RATED:

Scored a try when he used his blistering speed to burn into a gap, and around the outside shoulder of Francois Louw in the second half. But some errors are a worry. Tried a miracle pass in the third quarter when ABs hot on attack, resulted in ball being lost. Fumble in the 69th minute let Boks off the hook. Strong runs down the right flank in first quarter meant he totalled 106m before a dislocated right shoulder forced him to retire. A cruel blow for a man who was the best New Zealander in the first half. Awarded a try in the 33rd minute. It was not a five-pointer but that was not Crotty’s problem. The officials gave it. Tough in all facets, definitely the best No 13 in New Zealand. Made a game-high 22 tackles. That cannot be understated and 13 tackles were executed in the first quarter. A couple of execution errors on attack in first half were frustrating, one in the sixth minute costing a potential try. Ran 83m to score a try against run of play in 58th minute, when ball bounced off Courtnall Skosan. Blew a try in the 16th minute after a great run, lost ball over line. Departed Newlands in the 33rd minute following a blow to the head We were told he passed his HIA, but he wasn’t asked to return. Replaced in 60th minute. Put in a solid shift, fast to the rucks, swift service off the deck and accurate. Nine tackles, 31m from five runs. He could have copped a shower of flak if the Boks caused a boilover. Given the ABs stayed composed and survived, that must be recognised. He is the bloke who has to remain calm when his heart must be going at 150bpm. Made 14 tackles. Off in 48th minute. Replaced by Matt Todd. Made 10 tackles, four short runs. Chalked-up 14 tackles and there is no doubt he is a rugged customer. Is he the answer at No 6? The jury is still out on that one. Probably didn’t shift Jerome Kaino off his position as the best No 6 in New Zealand. Told to take a breather with 14 minutes to go. Seemed to be involved in a lot of early action, some nice touches with his quick passes. Gave away a dumb penalty when ABs hot on attack in 15th minute with a sloppy cleanout at a ruck. Worked his guts out. Made 20 tackles – a terrific effort. Nothing flashy. Lots of clean-outs, aggression. Exactly what you wanted from one of your generals in a match like this. Replaced in the 46th minute. Solid. What we expected from a tighthead who has the difficult job of proving the ABs can survive without Owen Franks. Is doing a decent job of it. Replaced in the 46th minute. Made eight tackles, used his old-school attitude to offer some unwanted advice to the Springboks when they got a bit toey. A competitor. Had scrum success against Ruan Dreyer, the same bloke who had a nightmare in the Super Rugby final against the Crusaders. Also won a crucial turnover as the Boks attacked in the final seconds of the first spell.