12 Damian de Allende – 6.5
Relentless running and defensive pace of his own line. Kept Mo’unga under pressure and was a key pivot in the flow of Springboks’ attack. His distributions throughout the back-line put the explosive back-three into space time and again.
13 Jesse Kriel – 7
Ran through Aaron Smith after the scrum half passed, with a ninth minute collision that set the tempo of the match. Tried some testing kicks into the back-field, with his grubber efforts having better impacts than any high balls. Hit high by Sam Cane, which sent the All Blacks captain to the side-lines.
14 Kurt-Lee Arendse – 7
Knocked on a couple of high-balls, as conditions played a major factor in France. Almost scored from Cheslin Kolbe’s kick along the touch-line, but could not ground the effort in the corner. Tackled Mark Tele’a into touch, for a key saving tackle. Stepped by Mo’unga, yet the following Aaron Smith was chalked off for a knock-on.
15 Damian Willemse – 6
Missed a few battles under the high ball, yet was better after being set off at pace across the park. Stepped his way passed the All Blacks defenders, and was buried into touch by Tele’a at 24 minutes. Tried two long distance drop goals, as he channeled his inner Joel Stransky.
Replacements:
16 Deon Fourie – 7.5
On much earlier than expected, following the third minute with-drawl to Bongi Mbonambi. Shook off the nerves with good set-pieces, and made a huge turnover at 32 minutes as he cleared out both Jordie and Scott Barrett at the ruck.
17 Ox Nche – 7
The key scrummager in the semi-final win over England, was back at his best for the all-important final. Instantly upped the tempo in the front row, Nche scrummed like a machine and led the Boks up front to the end.
18 Trevor Nyakane – 6
Like Nche, the replacement prop Nyakane had a physical presence on the clattering battle in the Stade de France. The Springbok scrum success was vital for their overall win, and Nyakane ensured that the Springboks saw out the match with a win.
19 Jean Kleyn – 6
Immediately flung into the fray, and set his intentions with a big hit on Ardie Savea. Kleyn was the reinforcement for Etzebeth, and the replacement lock stepped up into the giant spot left in the final.
20 RG Snyman – 6.5
Similar to Kleyn, RG Snyman was a key player in the latter Springboks scrums. Snyman imposed his giant frame on the All Blacks, and defended well into the tense final moments.
21 Kwagga Smith – 7
Targeted the ball on Kolbe’s spinning hit on Will Jordan, and stole possession back to the Springboks. On for the retiring Duane Vermeulen, and was a confident replacement on the big stage.
22 Jasper Wiese – 5
Put on for the final six minutes, to close out the win with the Web Ellis Trophy on the line. Lost in the shuffle amongst the cataclysmic finale, but good to get his well-earned run out in the RWC Final.
23 Willie Le Roux – 6
Confident to take over kicking duties from his hands, and sent his powerful forwards through gaps with his eager playmaking abilities.
All Blacks player ratings:
1 Ethan de Groot – 6
Led on the loose-head in the lighter scrum pack, and came away from a glancing blow with a bloodied nose. Presented his versatility to carry and distribute, as he sent supporting runners through carries with pop passes. (Tamatai Williams 65’).
2 Codie Taylor – 7
Line-outs began crisp, but the disturbance of Etzebeth and Mostert got into his head. Gave away a penalty for not rolling away on his try-line, but threw a winger-esque step along the right touch-line. Regathered himself at the line-out which was a key battle in the match. (Samisoni Taukei’aho 65’).
3 Tyrel Lomax – 6
Carried hard into contact, but was hit back just as hard by the titanic Springboks. Swept up well on the loose ball, and left it all one field and made the hard yards count. (Nepo Laulala 65’).
4 Brodie Retallick – 7
Powered through the gain-line and was flawless in the air, Retallick could not have worked harder in his final test in a black jersey. Stole a South African line-out at 29 minutes, and constantly put pressure on Dean Fourie’s throw-ins. (Dalton Papali’i 70’).
5 Scott Barrett -7
Made amends after being sent off in the RWC warm-up match at Twickenham, with a strong effort around the park. Put in a massive hit on Cheslin Kolbe, and constantly drove forward for the hard yards.
6 Shannon Frizell – 6
Dropped his weight onto the out-stretched leg of Bongi Mbonambi, and earned himself a 10 minute trip to the sin bin. Redeemed himself upon his return, as he battled to the end against the relentless Springboks, halting their progress over the gain-line.