Here are our Springbok player ratings for the World Cup semi-final against Argentina won 37-13 by the Boks.
01. Os du Randt – 7
The old man has one big game left and will be looking to book-end his career with two Rugby World Cup medals. He was busy around the park, putting in three notable big hits. The Boks initially struggled as a unit in the scrums due to the Argentinian superiority in the hit, but improved as the game went on. Was awarded man of the match status by his team mates.
02. John Smit – 7
Popped up often around the field, found his jumpers in the lineout and delivered a good performance as captain to keep his team focussed on the job at hand.
03. CJ van der Linde – 6
Not a great scrumming performance but his usual busy self around the park. Adds more value as an impact player off the bench. May be a good idea to start with Jannie du Plessis against England and bring on CJ a bit later
04. Bakkies Botha – 7
The Bok enforcer delighted in smashing Argentinians all night. Has had a brilliant World Cup so far, fulfilling his role of adding mongrel to the Bok team. One more big game is needed against the British Bulldogs next week.
05. Victor Matfield – 7
A dominant display in the lineouts underlined Matfield’s status as the world’s premier lineout exponent. The big unit was busy in loose play, took the ball well at the kickoffs and helped field numerous high balls – relieving the pressure on the back three. Will have to adopt a tighter approach at the breakdown point next week against England.
06. Schalk Burger – 7
A solid outing from the Bok talisman including a superb pass to put Danie Rossouw in for his try. By his own standards, he’s had a fairly low-key World Cup, but we expect nothing less than a massive game from him next week.
07. Juan Smith – 7
Another solid performance from one of the stars of the Bok campaign so far. Not as dominant as his performance last week but still good. Strong in the lineout. Yellow-carded for a high tackle which hopefully won’t attract a citing. Second to Os in the Boks’ internal man of the match awards.
08. Danie Rossouw – 7
The official man of the match was tasked with consolidating the ball behind a backpeddling Bok scrum. Scored a good try and was involved around the park.
09. Fourie du Preez – 7
A much improved display from last week but still didn’t reach the heights he achieved against England. Put in some clever pressure-relieving kicks and helped Monty out at the back.
10. Butch James – 7
Good kicking game pinned the Argentinians back as he overshadowed his highly regarded opponent on the night.
11. Bryan Habana – 8
Our choice for man of the match. A confident, assured and dangerous performance. His positional awareness was top-notch and he was back to his opportunistic best. Scored two tries to equal Jonah Lomu’s World Cup try scoring record of 8.
12. Frans Steyn – 6
A typically erratic display from the youngster. His attacking attempts often faltered but usually due to lack of support from his senior colleagues. On the plus side, he had a hand in two tries – his long pass to create space for Habana’s chip-kick try and his clever pick up and pass to set up the Danie Rossouw try.
13. Jaque Fourie – 7
His role was primarily defensive and he didn’t let the side down.
14. JP Pietersen – 7
Lacked the possession to show off his skills, but put in a solid, error-free performance.
15. Percy Montgomery – 8
We knew going into this game that Monty would be key. He delivered brilliant goal kicking, positional play and touch finders. He looked composed and determined and never lost his focus.
Kom ons hoop daar is nie nog ‘n citing fiasco met Juan nie. Hop Hop Hier Kom Die Bok!