Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx was magnificent against the All Blacks.
Image: Backpagepix
The Springboks bounced back in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series with an impressive 33–26 defeat of the All Blacks at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday night.
The mistakes of the loss at Ellis Park the week before gave way to a far more efficient performance, with every Bok stepping up in his delivery.
15 Damian Willemse (7.5):
Another good display under the high ball. Could have had more distance on some of his clearance kicks, but sorted that out later in the game. Went off injured at half-time.
14 Cheslin Kolbe (8.5):
Got caught in possession a few times and made an unforced error when he shanked a kick into touch that was meant to go downfield. However, he did brilliantly to chase down a Sacha kick that forced a penalty five metres from the All Blacks’ line, and kicked immaculately for poles.
13 Jesse Kriel (6.5):
Well-taken try after just 90 seconds and a strong cover tackle on Leroy Carter, though he missed a cover tackle on Will Jordan, who went on to score.
12 Damian de Allende (8):
Powerful surge into the All Blacks’ 22 that led to a penalty and three points, before barrelling over for a high-octane try soon after. Superb, and his tackling was very good.
11 Ethan Hooker (8):
Excellent early take of a Reinach box kick and a driving tackle on Jordie Barrett to halt momentum. A very good overall game.
10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (7.5):
Crucial cover tackle on Will Jordan and got good distance on his clearances. His kick charged down by Jordie Barrett almost resulted in a try, but this was a much-improved outing from Ellis Park.
9 Cobus Reinach (7):
He had better protection this week compared to the luckless Grant Williams in the first Test. Reinach was nifty keeping the Bok machine going on attack.
8 Jasper Wiese (6):
In a compliment to how well he played in the first Test, Wiese was heavily marked by the opposition and barely had a chance to carry.
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (8):
The centurion delivered a performance worthy of the occasion. He was immense in everything he did.
6 Siya Kolisi (8):
His perfectly timed run to score from close quarters was excellent, alongside a huge hit on his mate Ardie Savea. An invaluable return for the captain.
5 Ruan Nortjé (8):
He was at the heart of the Boks’ driving mauls and showed an engine that does not have an off button.
4 Eben Etzebeth (8.5):
Made his muscular presence felt throughout. Made a vital steal in an All Blacks’ lineout near the Bok line, followed by another massive steal late in the game to thwart an attack that had been building for multiple phases. This was Etzebeth at his enforcer best.
3 Thomas du Toit (7):
He had a few big carries, some big tackles, and some big scrums — exactly what you expect from a big fellow.
2 Deon Fourie (7):
The oldest man to wear the green and gold in a Test match played with his usual mongrel. He made a key carry leading up to the Boks’ opening try and more than did his bit before being subbed after 35 minutes.
1 Gerhard Steenekamp (7):
Scrummed strongly in his 35 minutes and made some telling carries.
Replacements
16 Malcolm Marx (9.5):
He came on and immediately made a massive impact in everything he was involved in. A typical turnover penalty earned his team three points, and he nailed another in the 70th minute to add three crucial points. Just exceptional.
17 Ox Nché (6):
Got pinned for an early engagement after several lectures to the front rows from the referee and was caught offside at a ruck. He scrummed well enough, but it was not his best game.
18 Wilco Louw (7.5):
He put big pressure on the All Blacks’ scrum when he came on in the second half. That pressure had a significant result in how the Boks steered home to the line.
19 Lood de Jager (6):
Sin-binned for a high tackle, which was a touch harsh for the tallest player on the field.
20 André Esterhuizen (7.5):
Came on and immediately made an impact at loose forward.
21 Cameron Hanekom (8):
He made the telling turnover at the end of the game that secured the spoils for the Boks. A big impact.
22 Morne van den Berg (7):
He was busy and efficient in helping his team close out the game.
23 Manie Libbok (7):
Came on for the injured Willemse and did a sterling job at flyhalf to help his team secure the win.
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