Several stars in French whitewash The bench
The resurgent Springboks made it a nightmare series for the Tricolores with a comprehensive 3-0 victory. Here we rate the men in the green and gold.
Man-of-the-Match: Jan Serfontein
Rating: 9/10
Has emerged as probably the Boks’ most influential player of the entire series with lock Franco Mostert hot on his heels. Was involved in countless tackles and acted as another loose forward at the breakdowns and made a telling and physical impact on attack too. Was used as a surprising lineout jumper to set up captain Eben Etzebeth’s try two minutes after the break to give his side a crucial 21-9 lead at a time when the French were pushing hard to close their seven-point half-time deficit.
1. Beast Mtawarira
Rating: 4/10
The veteran prop of 90 Tests enjoyed a slightly better run compared to the first two Test matches. But the fact that he was replaced after 52 minutes indicated that the Bok management wanted more impact.
2. Malcolm Marx
Rating: 6/10
The hooker can be very satisfied with his performances in the series. But after being so influential in the first Test, the French targeted him as one of the Boks’ strongest ball-carriers.
3. Ruan Dreyer
Rating: 5/10
Won a penalty in his first scrum on debut, but conceded two penalties in the next two scrums. His workrate however was good and played a big role in the first try scored by Jesse Kriel.
4. Eben Etzebeth
Rating: 7/10
The burden of the last-minute captaincy role didn’t hold him back. The big man is slowly getting back to his best. Very active in general play and rewarded with a fine try.
5. Franco Mostert
Rating: 8/10
Has grown immensely in stature and with centre Jan Serfontein the Boks’ two standout players. He arrived with Jean-Luc du Preez first on the scene to play a crucial role in the Boks’ opening try.
6. Siya Kolisi
Rating: 6/10
One could hardly see him losing his place in the side after another stellar performance, but was forced to play a tighter role after the disruptions in the backrow before the match.
7. Jaco Kriel
Rating: 7/10
Obviously hungry to make his mark and it didn’t look at all like he hadn’t played a game in almost a month. From the fifth minute when he burst through three defenders, he never stopped staying involved.
8. Jean-Luc du Preez
Rating: 6/10
Did not adapt to the No 8 role so well standing in for skipper Warren Whiteley, but nevertheless often found himself in the thick of things and played his accustomary physical role in assisting the defence.
9. Francois Hougaard
Rating: 6/10
Was confined to not much more than a passing game in the opening half, but became more involved after the break as a ball-runner and stood his ground on defence around the fringes.
10. Elton Jantjies
Rating: 7/10
The French didn’t allow him much space to work his magic, but continued his fine goal-kicking form. He missed just three times in 21 attempts and scored 52 points in the three-Test series.
11. Courtnall Skosan
Rating: 5/10
His chase lines were very good in applying pressure on the French in the Boks opening try, but looked to sustain an injury after he was taken out in the air in the 32nd minute by French flyhalf Jules Plisson.
13. Jesse Kriel
Rating: 6/10
Was very noticeable on defence and one of the Boks’ leading role-players to find relief from their own 22 with his big kicking boot. Almost lost control before grounding the ball for the Boks’ first try.
14. Raymond Rhule
Rating: 4/10
Again missed a few tackles, although he often popped up on the other side of the field to help out in defence. Was given very few opportunities on attack.
15. Andries Coetzee
Rating: 5/10
The fullback likes to stay involved and played an important role to plug the defensive holes in the wider channels, providing great support for his wingers while remaining sound under the high ball.
16. Bongi Mbonambi
Rating: 5/10
Played a leading role to set up the final try by Rudy Paige when he broke clear from a ruck to open up the space and played a role in protecting the Boks’ try line in his 12 minutes on the field.
17. Steven Kitshoff
Rating: 8/10
Was again the Boks’ most valuable player from the bench and his robust role in defence has become a secret weapon late in the game. Was also powerful in the scrums.
18. Coenie Oosthuizen
Rating: 4/10
Received 25 minutes from the bench after replacing Ruan Dreyer and played his role without really standing out, but like Dreyer he was unfortunately also blown up at scrum time.
19. Pieter-Steph du Toit
Rating: 6/10
Had to pack down in the unusual position of No 8 after he replaced Jean-Luc du Preez, but was more visible than in the previous two Tests with a few strong carries.
20. Lood de Jager
Rating: 5/10
After not featuring in the first two Tests, De Jager was fired up and secured a turnover maul as soon as he appeared on the field in the 68th minute having replaced the lively Franco Mostert.
21. Rudi Paige
Rating: 4/10
The replacement No 9 was most visible when he scored the fourth try after running off Mbonambi, but only 10 minutes on the field was hardly enough for him to make a great impact.
22. Frans Steyn
Rating: 5/10
Like Paige he only got playing time in the final 11 minutes and was subjected to nothing more than a supporting role to ensure the Boks’ defence stayed intact in denying the French a try.
23. Dillyn Leyds
Rating: 4/10
Earned his third cap from the bench, but like in the previous two Tests only got eight minutes on the field. Tried to make his influence count without much chance on attack or defence.