Springbok Player Ratings vs Samoa

The Loose Forwards [7.5]
Duane improved as the game went on, Flo played with intent and was a menace at the breakdown, while Schalk was back to his industrious best.

08. Duane Vermeulen [7]

Rugby365: 7/10
Took some time to get into the game but made some good carries in the second half. He also brought some much needed physicality to the Springbok team.

Sport24: 7/10
Yes, there’s obviously a way to go to get him back to vintage best after a 17-week layoff … but what a Trojan to go the distance on comeback. Supervised many lethal rolling mauls, and his ball-in-hand bursts only seemed to become more frequent as game progressed.

OuGrote: 7/10
Encouraging to see his improvement in the space of one match – at this rate he’ll be firing come the play-offs. Impressive return from neck surgery and a long layoff – especially the fact that he lasted the full 83 minutes.

07. Schalk Burger [8]

Rugby365: 9/10
Was at his very best and had a work rate that was second to none in the forward pack. A great all round performance by one of South Africa’s greatest players.

Sport24: 7.5/10
Loves a good scrap, so always seemed likely to rise to the challenge against these renowned combative foes. That old engine just keeps going and going.

OuGrote: 8/10
Work rate once again to the fore in an impressive outing where he was once again all over the park.

06. Francois Louw [7.5]

Rugby365: 8/10
Was a menace at the breakdowns throughout the game. He slowed possession down for the Samoans and also put in some big hits on defence.

Sport24: 7/10
Another Bok stalwart to warm increasingly to the challenge; now much nearer to own A-game again after injury layoff. Worked tirelessly at close quarters.

OuGrote: 7.5/10
Played with huge intent and physicality throughout the game – slowing down Samoan ball, putting in some big hits, and securing valuable turnovers.

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