Player Ratings of RSA vs NZ (14/09/2013)

The weekend’s loss to New Zealand saw a few dodgy calls being made, to add to this there were a few dodgy performances put in by the Boks. Here are my ratings of the Bok starting XV.

Zane Kirchner 6

As much as I hate the guy, he did have a solid night with competing in the air for high balls, one of these aided Lambie’s try. His lack of creativity from the back however re-introduced debate about his right to the jersey.

Willie le Roux 5.5

There was not much room for the electric winger to showcase his usual inventive moves, with very little ball going to the Bok backline. There were some decision-making errors. A decent little break late in the second half saved his game ratings a bit.

JJ Engelbrecht 4

He had an absolute mare, with the little ball that the Boks got he was not seen once on attack. The question over his defence at centre being raised again after he let Nonu run at him with all the time in the world time after time. The communication between him and Jaen is not quite there yet, and gaps between the two were wider than the Grand Canyon.

Jean de Villiers 6.5

One or two forceful runs through the middle. Kept his cool under the conditions as captain even with the shocker Poite was having on the night. Victim of cynical shoulder-charge from Nonu.

Bryan Habana 6

High in energy as always, always looking for work. Made two turnovers at ruck time. Otherwise had very little ball. He will however be remembered for the costly kick that went astray.

Morné Steyn 5.5

Missed a fair amount of tackles, offered nothing on attack. Kicking off the tee was off for the night. His rating was however saved a deft little cross kick that ended in a try late in the 2nd half.

Ruan Pienaar 4

Another backline player that had a shocker. Kicking aimlessly down the field, not getting enough height or depth on his box kicks. His defence came into question a few times, once for shooting up out of line and the other for a half-hearted tackle that got shrugged off and eventually led to a try. Also offering very little on attack, ,erely passing the ball and giving average box kicks.

Duane Vermeulen 7.5

The standout Bok player on the night. He was all over the field, carried the ball up strongly, made a few huge tackles and stole a few balls at the ruck. What more do you want from a loose forward?

Willem Alberts 6.5

The Bone Collector was unlucky to be pulled off after Bismarck was given a red card, was immense in the contact situation, dominating the NZ players both on defence and attack.

Francois Louw 6

Not as good as he has been so far this year, however still good enough taking into account that it was 7 vs 8 in the battle of the forwards. His handling let him down in open play at one stage in the match.

Flip van der Merwe 6

Promising start of the match by stealing a ball from Whitelock’s finger-tips. Was working hard to impose himself before his unlucky leg injury which resulted in him playing only one half.

Eben Etzebeth 6.5

Knocked on an early lineout steal. Mostly pretty solid on his own-ball take. Showed huge heart as usual in the open-play battle on both attack and defence.

Jannie du Plessis 4.5

Scrumming was good on the night, however he still misses far too many tackles, gives away penalties and often disappeared on the night where he wasn’t seen unless there was a set piece.

Bismarck du Plessis 7

Despite being sent off (which he didn’t deserve). He was massive in both attack and defence. Crushing Carter in half and stealing balls at the ruck. Was like an extra loose forward on the night

Tendai Mtawarira 6.5

Dominated his scrumming opponent, Owen Franks in a couple of early scrums, popping the respected tight head once. Was also very solid on defence and had a few good crash ball runs.