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.
