Player Ratings – Boks vs All Blacks

Here are our player ratings for the second Tri Nations test – Springboks vs All Blacks – which was won 26-21 by the New Zealanders. Do you agree with our scores?

Os lasted longer than expected and was back to his best around the park – putting in a few crucial tackles. Stood up to Hayman well, but was unfortunately not supported by Gary and BJ Botha is this regard and the Bok scrum went backwards. A reasonable game for the big man and he showed that he still has something to offer the Boks.

Not a dominant game from Botha – it just emphasized the gap between him and John Smit, especially when it comes to scrummaging. Lineout throw-ins were better than last week. Does not have the physical presence to make the same impact around the park as he did in the Super14.

Poor performance from Botha – he came off second best in the scrums and was anonymous around the park. Jake White was saying last week that at international level, it’s impossible to dominate at scrum time. Well, the Kiwis rubbished this idea by totally outmuscling the Boks. Yet again one has to ask: Gert Smal – what is it exactly that you do in your role as forwards coach? With all the talent at your disposal you should have an easy job. You have proved at provincial and international level that you don’t have what it takes.

Had a strong game on a day when his usual partner in crime, Victor Matfield, went missing. Put in some strong defensive work, as well as getting up into the All Black’s faces. Fulfilled his role of Bok enforcer well, but yet again he seems to disappear after a while – at least today it took a bit longer to happen than last week.

Matfield was anonymous and it was difficult at times to know if he was still on the field – unless you looked out to the wings where he was more likely to be spotted. Dominated the lineouts as usual with good disruption of the Kiwi’s ball on occasion, but did nothing at the breakdown and around the park. Did the pressure of the captaincy get to him? It certainly appeared that way. And where was he in the final ten minutes while his team were throwing the game away? Springbok sides usually respond best to a captain who leads by example, and Matfield certainly didn’t do that today. John Smit – Get Well Soon!

Schalla was immense all afternoon in another brilliant performance for the Boks. At times he was a lone ranger around the park – making tackle after tackle while his team mates stood back. It seemed that every time an All Black made a break, the energetic No 6 was there to stop him in his tracks. If the Springboks had won this game he would’ve been Man of the Match by a country mile. His commitment is unquestioned and he still throws himself around with no regard for his own physical wellbeing. His superb performance was rewarded with a try.

Good game on defence by the powerful ‘Daniesaur’, putting in some big hits around the park. His real value to the team should be in clearing out the rucks but was often too slow to the breakdown to make an impact. Carried the ball up well on occasion and seems to have improved his ball retention skills.

Skinstad didn’t make enough of an impact at the breakdown. Showed some good handling skills though and was solid in the lineout. His leadership skills weren’t called upon in the crucial closing stages of the game – because he wasn’t on the field. A poor substitution by Jake White – compounded by the fact that Bobby’s replacement Pedrie Wannenburg was only on the field for 2 minutes before being dispatched to the sin bin.

Another good game from this rising star of South African rugby – arguments in favour of Ricky January are becoming weaker and weaker by the game. A few too many box kicks , but that was all he could do to relieve the relentless pressure on his team mates. Quick service and prominent around the park.

Had an improved showing from last week and continues to grow into the role of South Africa’s premier flyhalf. Pressurised Carter well and looked strong on attack. When he left the field with a hamstring injury the Boks started to crumble, as happened last year against England. This was compounded by the fact that his replacement Frans Steyn had an absolute shocker in his short time on the field.

Another disappearing act by Pietersen – not looking for work around the park. He appears too scared to move out of the defensive structure and get involved in general play. His two mistakes near the end resulted in two All Black tries which effectively ended the game for the Boks. He looks out of depth at international level. We just have to hope and pray that Habanero recovers fully for the World Cup.

His poor form continues as he once again failed to live up to expectations. De Villiers must be one of the most over-hyped players in the Bok setup, but none of his supposed strengths (vision and creativity) were on display today. Is getting good ball from Pienaar and James so he has no excuses there. It all just seems to fall apart for the backline when he receives the ball and runs straight into his opposite number.

A very quiet game from Fourie who seems to be suffering as a result of his inside centre’s poor form. Remember the days when De Villiers used to create space for Fourie to run in at a superb angle and cut through the opposition’s defensive line? The memories are starting to fade. This Bok backline will never be an international threat as long as Allister ‘Alliswell’ Coetzee is in charge of their preparation. Like Gert Smal, Coetzee is seriously out of his depth.

Another busy performance from the ever-improving Willemse. What he lacks in pace he makes up for in sheer hard work around the park. He knows all the short-cuts to the ball and gives nothing away in the strength department. Continues to repay Jake’s faith in him.

Monty continues to put in one impressive performance after another. His solidity at the back was once again a comfort to his team mates, while he continues to counter-attack effectively. His mentor, HO De Villiers, once told him to play every game as if it was his last and, as he nears the end of his international career, he seems to be having a full go at it – and succeeding. He has nothing to lose and nothing to prove and it shows in his performance.

Scoring details:

Final Score: New Zealand All Blacks 26 – 21 South African Springboks

New Zealand:
Tries: Richie McCaw, Joe Rokocoko.
Conversions: Daniel Carter (2).
Penalties: Carter (3).
Drop goal: Aaron Mauger.

South Africa:
Tries: Schalk Burger, Butch James.
Conversion: Percy Montgomery.
Penalties: Montgomery (2), Ruan Pienaar.

Official Man of the Match: Rodney So’oialo.

Tri Nations table 23 June 2007:

01 – Springboks:  Played 2 Won 1 Lost 1 Bonus 1 Total 5
02 – All Blacks:  Played 1 Won 1 Lost 0 Bonus 0 Total 4
03 – Wallabies: Played 1 Won 0 Lost 1 Bonus 1 Total 1