Springboks player ratings vs All Blacks: Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test One

Saturday, 22 August 2026 at 18:07

byKeisha-Lee Opperman

Springboks player ratings vs All Blacks as Rassie Erasmus’ side fell to defeat in Johannesburg, going 1-0 down in the Test series.

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South Africa suffered a disappointing 33-16 defeat against New Zealand in the opening Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.

Andre Esterhuizen scored the Springboks’ only try, while Cheslin Kolbe added 11 points from the tee before late yellow cards compounded a frustrating evening.

Scroll down for Springboks player ratings vs All Blacks.

Springboks player ratings vs All Blacks

Ratings by Keisha-Lee Opperman

15. Damian Willemse – 8/10

MOVED TO INSIDE CENTRE IN THE 61ST MINUTE

Damian Willemse did not have a dominant game at the start, but he contributed when it mattered most. He managed to chase kicks that were sent high into the air and regain possession throughout the game. In the last minute, he played a crucial part in the Springbok defensive line.

14. Cheslin Kolbe – 9/10

He was an outstanding player in this game. He applied pressure on the All Blacks’ backs, making them reconsider their next move. He was responsible for most of the points, kicking every penalty and conversion straight through the posts. We could have witnessed a try if he hadn’t been forced off due to injury.

Substitute (58th minute): Grant Williams – 7/10

He didn’t have much impact on the game, but he was present when the defensive line needed relief with a kick or just some extra support.

13. Jesse Kriel – 7/10

Not much was done by Jesse during this game, but he did manage to intercept a possible try from the All Blacks when it mattered most.

12. Damian de Allende – 7/10

On his 100th cap, De Allende had an average game. He was present in defence, as he does best.

11. Kurt-Lee Arendse – N/A

Failed HIA

Substitute (9th minute): Andre Esterhuizen – 7/10

Andre had a good match. His defence had a good impact and he managed to score a try after coming off the bench early.

Substitute for Esterhuizen (61st minute): Manie Libbok – 6/10

In the last 15 minutes, everyone on the team was focused on defending and preventing another try.

10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – 5/10

MOVED TO FULL-BACK IN THE 61ST MINUTE

He had a very good kicking game in terms of gaining territory and giving his team secure positions for lineouts, but he made unnecessary errors that contributed immensely to the loss. Not a good day at the office for him.

9. Grant Williams – 6/10

Substitute (58th minute): Cobus Reinach – 6/10

Yellow card in the 71st minute

For the few minutes he played, Reinach didn’t have much of an impact. The reason for his yellow card was that he was offside and caused a deliberate knock-on.

8. Jasper Wiese – 9/10

Outstanding play by Wiese. He carried for metres with the ball, stole possession and broke the defensive line multiple times.

7. Pieter-Steph du Toit – 6/10

He had an ordinary game but also made good on-field calls as captain.

6. Paul de Villiers – 6/10

Not much from De Villiers, but he contributed to the defensive line.

Substitute (61st minute): Marco van Staden – 6/10

Yellow card in the 69th minute

In the few minutes he played, he didn’t have any major impact on the game.

5. Ruan Nortje – 6/10

He managed to win lineouts and also made successful contests where necessary.

4. Eben Etzebeth – 7/10

He had a good game overall. With an early attempt at a charge-down, he made a statement. He also contributed to the successful lineouts that ensured possession.

Substitute (74th minute): Cobus Wiese – 6/10

He was an asset in the defensive line in the last minutes of the game as the All Blacks looked to get more points.

3. Wilco Louw – 7/10

A powerhouse in the scrums. He had a huge impact at tighthead prop and contributed to the countless penalties South Africa gained solely from the scrums.

Substitute (61st minute): Zachary Porthen – 6/10

He ensured that the scrum remained effective, as this was where the Springboks showed most of their dominance.

2. Malcolm Marx – 8/10

The scrum was the most dominant factor for the Springboks, and he was also a crucial part of it. Not only in the scrums, he also managed to get turnovers to regain possession for the Springboks, with the hope that his teammates could make some metres or score points.

1. Ox Nche – 7/10

He did make some errors in the game that caused his team to lose possession, but he managed to make up for his mistakes by giving his all in the scrums.

Substitute (45th minute): Gerhard Steenekamp – 6/10

Substitute for Steenekamp (66th minute): Jan-Hendrik Wessels – 6/10

Steenekamp and Wessels did not have much impact on the game, but they contributed to the defensive line and helped prevent players from finding a gap for a possible try.

Rugby Quiz: Can you name the past 25 Springboks captains?

How well do you know the Springboks? South Africa have had some legendary leaders over the years, with some of the game's biggest names taking on the responsibility of captaining the current world champions.

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But how many of their last 25 captains can you remember? Test your rugby knowledge and see if you can name every player to have led the Springboks in their most recent appearances.