Springboks player ratings vs All Blacks: The Rugby Championship

Saturday, 06 September 2025 at 09:54

byCharlie Elliott

Springboks player ratings vs All Blacks: South Africa fell short as New Zealand extended their winning run at Eden Park against their fiercest rivals

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New Zealand defended their Eden Park stronghold once more, grinding out a 24-17 victory over South Africa in a bruising Rugby Championship encounter between the world’s top two sides.

The All Blacks struck almost immediately when Emoni Narawa finished in the corner after a slick cross-kick, evading Willie le Roux’s weak challenge. Their momentum grew when Will Jordan, continuing his remarkable try-scoring record, slipped through Malcolm Marx’s tackle to score under the posts, giving the hosts a commanding 14-3 half-time lead.

South Africa enjoyed long spells of possession and territory before the break but squandered opportunities through handling errors and a malfunctioning lineout, with Handre Pollard’s penalty their only return. The issues persisted into the second half as Quinn Tupaea crossed to extend New Zealand’s advantage just five minutes after Malcolm Marx scored the Springboks' first try of the game, putting the All Blacks 14 points ahead going into the final stages.

The Boks finally rallied, with Cobus Reinach darting across to set up a tense finish. Yet, in his 100th Test, Ardie Savea delivered the decisive turnover, sealing New Zealand’s 51st unbeaten match at Eden Park since 1994.

Scroll down for Springboks player ratings v All Blacks.

All Blacks: 24

Tries: Narawa (1'), Jordan (16'), Tupaea(68')
Cons: Barrett (2'), McKenzie (17'69')
Pens: McKenzie (50')

Springboks: 17

Tries: Marx (61'), Reinach (75')
Cons: Mngomezulu (62'), Feinberg-Mngomezulu (76')
Pens: Pollard (22')

Springboks player ratings vs All Blacks

Willie Le Roux - 4.5

South Africa’s centurion had a night to forget. Beaten all too easily in the build-up to Emoni Narawa’s try, his defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed. He failed to inject creativity or link play effectively in attack, looking off the pace throughout. With little contribution going forward and lapses at the back, his presence was more liability than asset. Withdrawn before 50 minutes, this was a flat performance from a player usually relied upon for composure.

Cheslin Kolbe - 6.5

The Bok wing showed plenty of commitment but lacked his trademark spark. Under the high ball he was inconsistent, even dropping a simple catch, while in attack he often seemed reluctant to stretch defenders with his pace. His best moment came from a chip-and-chase that nearly came off. Defensively, he showed bravery with a vital stop on Jordie Barrett, but overall, it was a display of flashes rather than sustained impact from the World Cup winner.

Jesse Kriel - 6.5

Captaining the side, Kriel struggled to stamp his authority on the match. His defensive effort included one standout tackle, but in attack he was anonymous, rarely demanding the ball or creating opportunities. As skipper, the lack of visible influence was concerning, with his leadership not translating into on-field inspiration. His longstanding partnership with Damian de Allende offered stability, yet it lacked bite. A steady but ultimately uninspiring outing in a game that cried out for direction.

Damian de Allende - 6

South Africa’s most capped centre pairing once again featured de Allende, but this was far from his most imposing performance. While he contributed with a couple of crunching tackles in midfield, his direct running was largely nullified by the All Blacks’ defence and the wet conditions. He provided reliability but not spark, blending into the background as the Boks struggled for creativity. Solid without being standout, he left the impression of a player below his best.

Canan Moodie - 6

The young winger endured a frustrating evening after showing promise in recent Tests. Defensively, he was culpable for poor positioning in New Zealand’s second try, exposing his flank. He redeemed himself partially with two excellent takes under the high ball in tricky conditions, showcasing composure under pressure. In attack, however, he was peripheral, particularly in the first half where he hardly touched the ball. Though conditions worked against him, this was a quiet performance overall.

Handre Pollard - 5

South Africa’s fly-half had an uneven night, mixing moments of brilliance with glaring errors. He opened the scoring with a straightforward penalty and delivered a world-class 50:22 late in the first half, demonstrating his tactical kicking ability. Yet, his defensive tackling was poor, he missed another kick at goal, and threw a dreadful pass into touch. Despite his experience, Pollard failed to galvanise a flat Bok attack, leaving his performance defined more by inconsistency than control.

Grant Williams - 5.5

The scrum-half couldn’t replicate his sharp Cape Town form. He relied too heavily on the boot, with accurate box kicks that were tactically questionable given his own speed and running threat. When he did have opportunities to spark the attack, he seemed hesitant, and a costly fumble after a lineout squandered momentum before halftime. His service was steady but uninspired, and he was replaced before the 50-minute mark. A night of unfulfilled potential for the No. 9.

Ox Nche - 7.5

One of the few Bok forwards to shine, Nche made his presence felt in both scrums and open play. His ball carrying was explosive, smashing through defenders and almost resulting in a try before Rieko Ioane’s heroic intervention. In the set-piece, he was a cornerstone of South Africa’s dominant scrums, laying the foundation for Marx’s try. His relentless energy and impact gave the Boks some badly needed momentum, making him one of their standout performers.

Malcolm Marx - 5.5

Normally reliable in the set-piece, Marx endured a nightmare with his lineout throwing, losing three in the first half and wasting a perfectly placed Pollard 50:22. To compound matters, he slipped off Will Jordan for the opening try. Still, his power and determination were evident when he surged over from close range to score South Africa’s first try. He worked hard around the field, but the costly lineout errors overshadowed what could have been a stronger performance.

Thomas du Toit - 7

The tighthead prop put in a muscular shift, lasting 65 minutes and offering solidity in the scrums. He was penalised once at the set-piece but more than made up for it with a series of dominant engagements that provided South Africa with some of their best attacking platforms. Around the park, he was industrious and carried with purpose, helping build pressure that led to Marx’s try. A reliable, hardworking effort that gave the Boks a solid base.

Eben Etzebeth - 6.5

Back in the starting side, Etzebeth brought his typical blend of aggression and physicality. He was at the centre of some cynical gamesmanship, pulling down Beauden Barrett, which divided opinion. Lineout struggles blighted his contribution as a senior lock, but he did manage a superb recovery effort to win possession on the All Blacks’ line. Though always combative, he couldn’t dominate proceedings as he often does. A decent showing, but not one of his more influential Tests.

Ruan Nortje - 6

The lock failed to make a big impact. He offered little dynamism in open play, rarely carrying with authority or making decisive defensive contributions. The lineout, one of his key responsibilities, faltered badly during his time on the field, compounding the team’s struggles. His inexperience was evident against such seasoned opposition, and he was withdrawn shortly after the 50-minute mark. A performance that highlighted the growing pains of a player still finding his Test-level rhythm.

Marco van Staden - 6.5

Usually a menace at the breakdown, van Staden couldn’t disrupt New Zealand as effectively as expected. He did, however, contribute with abrasive carries, repeatedly charging into contact and working hard to get South Africa moving forward. His defensive work rate was solid if not spectacular, but he lacked the standout moments that often define his performances. While he provided energy and graft, the influence fans have come to expect from him wasn’t fully on display here.

Pieter-Steph du Toit - 7

Among the more effective Bok forwards, du Toit carried with relentless intent, often trying to bulldoze through the All Blacks’ line. His determination was evident in a powerful surge early in the second half, setting the tone for the Boks’ fightback. However, he missed key tackles, including one for Jordan’s try. His clever support and assist for Marx’s score showed his awareness and nous. A committed and energetic performance, though still flawed in execution.

Siya Kolisi - 6

Operating at number eight without the captaincy, Kolisi struggled to find his rhythm. Early on he looked hesitant, as though unsure of his role in the back row. While his defence was steady, he offered little go-forward in attack. To his credit, his work rate picked up after halftime, as he covered more ground and made key tackles. Lasting just over 50 minutes, his effort was respectable but fell short of the commanding presence he usually brings.

Replacements - 7

The bench made a tangible impact, albeit later than ideal. Kwagga Smith was instrumental in sparking South Africa’s first try with a dynamic run, though his contribution was marred by a yellow card for a cynical infringement. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu injected energy into the attack and coolly slotted a conversion, while Cobus Reinach finished clinically to give the Boks a lifeline. Collectively, the substitutes added bite and urgency that the starters lacked, offering hope for future selections.