Test a bit niggly, but compelling
A high-octane spectacle in Bloemfontein saw the Springboks and Wallabies again failing to be separated, with a 27-27 draw to go with the 23-23 stalemate in Perth.
Most valuable player: 11. Courtnall Skosan
Rating: 7/10
In his eighth consecutive Test match of the year, it was by some distance the speedy Lions winger’s best performance. He scored his second Test try when he
wrestled his way clear of at least three would-be defenders and his work-rate in general play was noteworthy. Skosan also showed a big physical presence on defence and punched above his weight.
1. Beast Mtawarira
Rating: 5/10
Despite another tough day at the office for the Boks with their scrumming performance, Beast performed his primary job relatively well. The veteran was also very visible in open play, producing a couple of storming runs from first receiver.
2. Malcolm Marx
Rating: 6/10
He has now settled firmly in the hooker position which previously belonged to Bismarck du Plessis, and though a few lineouts again did not function properly, he was extremely powerful in the tight exchanges. He was also a valuable additional ball-carrier.
3. Ruan Dreyer
Rating: 4/10
He showed with his try why he is so highly rated in the exchanges around the fringes when used as a ball-carrier. For the second week running, however, a question mark must be raised over his scrumming after conceding two technical penalties in this vital department.
4. Eben Etzebeth
Rating: 7/10
The Bok skipper came to the rescue of his winger Dillyn Leyds after a hair-pulling incident, which was probably not the wisest move, but he was a tower of strength in taking the ball up from close range and never went back in contact. He gave his all, as always, for his country.
5. Franco Mostert
Rating: 5/10
Producing a far better performance than the previous match against the All Blacks, he again caught the eye with his even higher work-rate. He continued to struggle to get over the gain-line as a primary ball-carrier, but his general enthusiasm made up for that shortcoming.
6. Siya Kolisi
Rating: 6/10
While he was brilliant in fending off Wallaby centre Kurtley Beale, which set up a try for the Boks by centre Jan Serfontein, Kolisi was also guilty of missing a few tackles straight on. However, he does look to be regaining some of the steam which made him such a star performer earlier in the season.
7. Francois Louw
Rating: 5/10
In his first Test in a year, Louw was a bit rusty in settling into the new Bok pattern, but he started finding his feet as the game wore on and was very busy in the collision areas, acting as a counter to Wallaby skipper Michael Hooper.
8. Uzair Cassiem
Rating: 5/10
Though he did not do much wrong in his short stay on the field, he was replaced by Jean-Luc du Preez in the 19th minute after picking up a rib injury. He nonetheless managed to do a lot of the donkey work early on.
9. Ross Cronje
Rating: 6/10
While many don’t get too excited about the scrumhalf, his ability in providing defensive cover out on the wing was again invaluable for the Boks, while his crisp service and ability to put pressure on the Aussie halfbacks was outstanding.
10. Elton Jantjies
Rating: 6/10
Many people will remember his missed penalty which cost the Boks victory, but that was his first stray attempt after slotting all five earlier kicks for 12 points from the game. He also made a fantastic head-on tackle on Beale.
12. Jan Serfontein
Rating: 6/10
Despite struggling to find the form he displayed against France, he showed great awareness by acting as a support runner in scoring his try. At times he made the wrong decisions on attack, but his experience in the backline was a big bonus for the team.
13. Jesse Kriel
Rating: 5/10
He performed better than he did in Albany and found some good space on attack against the quality Aussie backs, but the split-second awareness in spotting gaps remained a bit of a handicap, as well as consistent awareness in a broken-up defence.
14. Dillyn Leyds
Rating: 6/10
Though he was the unfortunate victim of a hair-pulling incident, when his slick stepping off both feet threatened to catch the Aussie defence napping, he can be satisfied with a solid first start. He stood his ground on defence and supported his fullback well.
15. Andries Coetzee
Rating: 6/10
His tactical kicking early on was excellent, gaining huge distance, but one or two of his tactical kicks later on did not find their targets. He pulled his weight on attack and defence, though his energetic attack from the back did not really pay any dividends.
16. Chiliboy Ralepelle
No Rating
Plenty of fuss was made during the week about his return to Test rugby, but in a bit of an anti-climax, he was not used off the bench by Allister Coetzee.
17. Steven Kitshoff
Rating: 6/10
One of the team’s prime performers off the bench, he again showed plenty of intent and hunger but failed to make the same impact he did earlier in the season.
18. Trevor Nyakane
Rating: 7/10
Really impressive for the first time this season, with the role he played off the bench, he has obviously got his eye on the No 3 jersey. He made a big, physical impact.
19. Pieter-Steph du Toit
Rating: 5/10
He was given only the last 15 minutes to show whether he could have an impact and did not really make a huge difference, but he still played his part.
20: Jean-Luc du Preez
Rating: 7/10
Having to play a whole 61 minutes instead of the usual 15 to 20, after the injury to Cassiem, he did not disappoint and provided a significant physical impact from the unusual No 8 position.
21. Rudy Paige
Rating: 5/10
Confined to a 10-minute bench role after replacing Ross Cronje late in the match, he showed a lot of inspiration and enthusiasm.
22. Handre Pollard
Rating: -
For the second time in three matches the young flyhalf remained unused by the Boks’ brainstrust. Jantjies did not deserve to be taken off, but Pollard’s time will come.
23. Damian de Allende
Rating: 6/10
Game time with Western Province obviously helped his cause a great deal as he showed a lot more vigour than he did in his previous few cameo appearances off the replacements bench.