Springboks player ratings as Rassie Erasmus’ side level the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series with convincing win over All Blacks.
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While they were not at their very best, the Boks always looked in control in Cape Town, bouncing back from their Ellis Park defeat to level the series at 1-1 ahead of the third Test.
Report By Asiphe Ngqamba
The Springboks answered the critics with 33-26 victory over the All Blacks in Cape Town, following the last week 33-16 defeat to the All Blacks. Jesse Kriel set the tone in the second minute making a try giving Springboks a lead. All Blacks retaliated with a try from Cam Roigard, but de Allende brought back Springboks advantage.
Damian McKenzie crossed the line for All blacks, before Siya Kolisi took over in the 37th minute changing the energy in the stadium, making the crowd celebrate as the Springbok led 24-14 into halftime.
The atmosphere intensified in the second half with both sides battling for control, with Player of the Match Cheslin Kolbe kicking a penalty in the 48th minute following with another two increasing the pressure of the game. All Blacks refusing to give up, Leroy Carter and Ardie Savea scored the second half tries. The Springboks held their defence under pressure in the last minute with Lood de Jager receiving a yellow card, the team held on with All Blacks not giving in securing a 33-26 victory.
This victory for the home team locks the Rugby Greatest Rivalry series 1-1, both teams are set meet again on 5 September 2026 in Johannesburg.
Scroll down for Springboks player ratings.
Springboks: 33
- Tries: Jesse Kriel (2′), Damian de Allende (22′), Siya Kolisi (38′)
- Conversions: Cheslin Kolbe (3′, 23′, 39′)
- Penalties: Cheslin Kolbe (19′, 49′, 51′, 72′)
- Yellow card: Lood de Jager (80′)
All Blacks: 26
- Tries: Cam Roigard (15′), Damian McKenzie (30′), Leroy Carter (66′), Ardie Savea (77′)
- Conversions: Ruben Love (16′, 31′, 77′)
- Penalties:
Springboks player ratings vs All Blacks
15 Damian Willemse — 6
Only featured in the first half, making a shaky start after slipping while attempting to take a kick deep in his own half, forcing him to call a mark. Settled into the game and was generally solid, although he struggled to make a significant impact.
14 Cheslin Kolbe — 8
Kolbe did well as a late inclusion after recovering from a knock in the first Test.
An early sliced clearance led to a lineout that resulted in an All Blacks try, but he responded well with a strong take from a Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu cross kick to win a penalty near the line.
Reliable from the tee, he remains perfect in the series, while also producing a good interception in his own half to relieve some pressure in the second 40.
13 Jesse Kriel — 7
Powered over from close range to score the opening try of the match. Gave away a poor penalty at the breakdown under pressure and missed the tackle on Will Jordan for the All Blacks’ first try.
Positively, Kriel was one of the leaders in the match for tackling, as he generally kept the midfield very solid.
12 Damian de Allende — 8
Missed the tackle on Will Jordan for the All Blacks’ opening try. Made up for it at the other end, finding a small gap and powering over from close range for the second try. Helped keep the midfield solid alongside Kriel.
11 Ethan Hooker — 7
Brought in after the first Test defeat, the hooker impressed under the high ball and dealt with it confidently throughout. He offered limited impact elsewhere, but given his inclusion was largely based on his aerial ability, he did exactly what was asked of him.
10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu — 6
Didn’t really bounce back following a poor performance in the first Test. Late addition this week after Handre Pollard’s injury. Improved marginally on his first-Test showing, making a strong tackle on McKenzie and putting in some useful kicks.
Nearly paid the price for two charged-down kicks, but produced a superb cross-field kick to Kolbe that led to a five-metre penalty. Moved to fullback at half time and a bit of indecision was one of the causes of Leroy Carter’s try.
9 Cobus Reinach — 8
Quick service helped build the first try. His box kicking was accurate and kept the defence guessing, while he also provided a good assist for Siya Kolisi’s try. Replaced after 57 minutes after an experienced performance.
