Arendse, Kolisi and Etzebeth stand tall for the Springboks
IT may have been a two-out-of-four outcome for the Springboks on their November trip to Europe, but they took giant leaps forward as they fine-tuned their game ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Here is how we rated the players across the four Test matches against Ireland, France, Italy and England …
BACKS Willie le Roux: 8/10
After doubts about his future, Le Roux answered his critics in emphatic fashion with some superb performances. Dovetailed superbly with Damian Willemse in the flyhalf channel, and brought variation to the Bok attack with his passing and kicking game.
Kurt-Lee Arendse: 9
The Bulls star was so good that he virtually forced coach Jacques Nienaber’s hand to pick him ahead of Makazole Mapimpi. Arendse has electric pace, but is so courageous in defence and under the high ball as well.
Cheslin Kolbe: 7
Showed that he can still turn it on with a thrilling touchdown against Italy, where he plucked the ball out of the air from the kickoff, but he unfortunately injured himself in the process. Wasn’t as visible from fullback against Ireland, but kicked well at goal in Marseille.
Makazole Mapimpi: 5
It was a disappointing few weeks for a player who had started all his Tests until the French game.
And when he was on the pitch, the ball just didn’t seem to go his way, although he chased kicks with his usual vigour and was solid in defence.
Jesse Kriel: 6
Almost always solid in defence, and made a few good reads to rush up and close down the space of the opposition.
Damian de Allende: 8
The rock of the Bok midfield, De Allende had to take on more responsibility in the absence of the injured Lukhanyo Am, and did so with flying colours.
De Allende enjoyed the extra space at outside centre against Italy, and showed how effective he can be when allowed to use all his skills instead of just being a battering ram.
Andre Esterhuizen: 7
His sole start came against Italy, and the former Sharks giant got stuck in with his renowned physicality, but also showcased some of his skills with a couple of deft passes and clever running lines.
Damian Willemse: 8
Had his best outing of the tour against England, where he pulled the strings on attack more regularly than in some of the other games and slotted two classy drop-goals. Strong in defence as usual, and produced some sublime moments.
Manie Libbok: 8
Brilliant second-half display against Italy, where he delivered some sumptuous passes on attack, and kicked excellently at goal.
Faf de Klerk: 8
Re-established himself as the firstchoice scrumhalf with busy displays against Italy and England, where he threatened the defences with ball-inhand and kept the momentum going on attack, while also rushing up in defence effectively. Stepped in as a back-up goal-kicker when required at crucial times, although his box-kicks went a bit too far against France.
Jaden Hendrikse: 4
Battled to clear from the base against Ireland, while his kicking game didn’t give the Boks much respite either.
FORWARDS Jasper Wiese: 7
Was his robust usual self in carrying the ball up the middle and putting in big hits in defence.
Pieter-Steph du Toit: 6
Seemed to find his groove against Ireland, but was sent off with a red card after just 12 minutes against France.
Franco Mostert: 7
His reliable engine was there for all to see. Won some crucial lineouts too, and is a solid option at No 5 and 7 going forward.
Siya Kolisi: 9
An outstanding effort from the Bok captain, who improved with every game as he carried the ball strongly,
made some big tackles and contested the breakdowns.
Evan Roos: 7
Finally got a start on tour against England. Didn’t always have the space to make those famous runs that he does for the Stormers, but Roos took on the defence at close quarters, and got stuck in with the tackles as well.
Kwagga Smith: 6
Got his big break at No 8 against France, but didn’t really take his chance with an up-and-down performance in Marseille.
Still made a considerable impact off the bench, though.
Lood de Jager: 5
Got injured after 55 minutes in a workmanlike display against Ireland and had to miss the rest of the tour.
Eben Etzebeth: 9
Apart from the grinding work as the enforcer in the tight-loose, Etzebeth is getting more involved as a ballcarrier on attack, and chases boxkicks with relish.
Marvin Orie: 8
His Bok stocks rose considerably after a commanding outing against Italy, where he ruled the line-outs and kick-offs, and was an influential presence as a ball-carrier and defender. Continued in the same vein against England in the Boks’ season finale.
Salmaan Moerat: 6
Got his lone start of the tour against Italy, and worked hard at close quarters to stop mauls and hit rucks.
Frans Malherbe: 8
The unsung hero of the Bok pack. Malherbe didn’t always get the scrum penalties that he deserved and was unlucky to be penalised at times, but stood strong in the set-pieces, and rediscovered his penchant for carrying and tackling too.
Vincent Koch: 7
Made some impressive appearances off the bench in his “Bomb Squad” role along with Steven Kitshoff.
Malcolm Marx: 8
After an iffy display against Ireland, was outstanding with his renowned breakdown skills complemented by his impactful ball-carrying and scrummaging, as well as accurate lineout-throwing.
Bongi Mbonambi: 7
A couple of missed lineouts against France, but after that, Mbonambi grew in his performances, and was still the starting hooker against Italy and England, where he controlled the mauls well and found his jumpers.
Ox Nche: 8
Was part of a strong scrummaging front row throughout the tour, and made energetic contributions on attack as a ball-carrier and in defence.
Steven Kitshoff: 7
Wasn’t at his best as a starter against Ireland, but made a difference as a Bomb Squad member off the bench in the scrums, breakdowns and as a ball-carrier.