Following the Springboks’ 42-28 victory over Scotland at Loftus Versfeld, here’s how we rated Rassie Erasmus’ charges in the Nations Championship fixture.
Springboks player ratings v Scotland
15 Aphelele Fassi: Did well under the high ball and kicked reasonably well outside his blunder on the 28th minute. A strong return to the international arena without being sensational. 6
14 Edwill van der Merwe: Spent much of the match playing on the left wing despite donning the number 14 jersey and equipped himself well against Kyle Steyn, particularly in the air. He was starved of possession in attack. 6
13 Jesse Kriel: Scored a blinder, perfectly timing his run off the shoulder of Handre Pollard to grab the try that put the game to bed in the Springboks‘ favour. He missed several tackles, but many of which weren’t detrimental to South Africa’s cause and were covered by the defensive system. 7
12 Damian Willemse: It was always going to be tough for him to replicate his masterful showing against England last week, especially with his shift from full-back to centre, but he made a good fist of it. He regularly got over the gain-line despite the traffic, defended the dangerous Sione Tuipulotu well and generally made good decisions with ball in hand. He exploded to take his try brilliantly with a nice switch with Grant Williams. 8
11 Ethan Hooker: Back in action a week ahead of schedule after Canan Moodie withdrew due to a niggle. The Sharks back didn’t look off the pace for a second and won a nice breakdown penalty early on. He made a nice line break in the build-up to a try and made a good tackle on Ewan Ashman despite using the incorrect shoulder. Forced off early in the second half to undertake an HIA, which he failed. 6
10 Handre Pollard: After an underwhelming end to the season for the Bulls, there were plenty of critics around the veteran’s inclusion in the squad and the starting XV this week, but Pollard silenced them with a statement performance. His aerial work was nothing short of superb whilst he kicked well out of hand and off the tee. He briefly went off the pitch before quickly returning after Hooker’s head knock and spent some time in the centres. Named man of the match for his efforts despite his high missed tackle count. 8
9 Embrose Papier: His first cap since 2018 and boy did he make the most of the opportunity with a cracking break and stunning footwork to leave both of the Fagerson brothers in his wake en route to the try-line. It’s a sight that the Loftus faithful came accustomed to all season and the blitzing halfback duly delivered again. He kicked well too, although he did kick from early scrum too quickly with the Boks putting Scotland under pressure. Overall, a superb return to international rugby for the 29-year-old. 8
Springboks: Nick Mallett identifies the players for whom Scotland Test will be watershed match
The forwards
8 Evan Roos: Went low to finish off his try well and needed to, as Scotland had already held up Johan Grobbelaar. Sadly, didn’t make it to half-time due to injury but was energetic, aggressive and physical whilst on the park. 6
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (c): Another mammoth performance from the brilliant Springboks back-rower who led the side once again in the absence of Siya Kolisi. He seldom has a poor game and today wasn’t the exception. He was huge on defence, the main lineout jumper for the Boks and just never stopped working. 8
6 Paul de Villiers: Looks incredibly comfortable at this level as he earned his second Test cap for South Africa. He kept the Scottish breakdown honest with his constant pressuring of their possession while being a busy ball carrier and defender too. 7
5 Ruan Nortje: A rarity that his accuracy faded in the latter stages of the game, missing a couple of tackles that allowed Scotland to get in behind the Springboks’ defence but the lock had already got through an incredible amount of work by then. He made an excellent steal in the first half, made a cracking run in the second half too. 7
4 Cobus Wiese: Lasted 32 minutes before gingerly walking off the pitch. He conceded an early penalty when the Springboks were on attack but made the initial break leading to the second try from the restart. It was a combative shift from the Bulls’ lock and a shame that it ended early. 6
3 Wilco Louw: Landed a massive double hit with Du Toit in the ninth minute and was dominant in the scrums outside of one penalty conceded. Strong and explosive 40-odd minutes from the tighthead. 7
2 Johan Grobbelaar: For the most part, the lineout and scrum operated smoothly whilst he was on the park. He was overeager and held up over the line in the 15th minute but also won a great penalty in 25th. 7
1 Boan Venter: For the most part, he got the better of Zander Fagerson in the scrums, but where Venter really shone was around the park, making powerful carries and showing off his soft hands in the build-up to Roos’ try. 7
Replacements: The Bomb Squad exploded and then it didn’t. The pack got the upper hand in the scrums; Zach Porthen and Elrigh Louw both grabbed tries, Ben-Jason Dixon started well got yellow carded and then did well again. Meanwhile, Grant Williams and Quan Horn both enjoyed great attacking moments and were kept busy in defence. However, there was a dip in intensity that allowed Scotland back into the game. A side note for Jan-Hendrik Wessels who was lively and played both hooker and loosehead. 6