The Front Row [6]
Jannie wasn’t that great, Beast did what was needed, and Adriaan had a great game in the lineouts and the loose.
03. Jannie du Plessis [4.5]
Rugby365: 4/10
Was poor in the scrums and gave away some silly penalties. His place in the team is not safe.
Sport24: 5/10
Hurt a knee during first half, which impeded his mobility a bit, but had been struggling anyway to achieve both a scrummaging grip and efficiency in open play. Incurred penalty wrath of Wayne Barnes at breakdowns too.
OuGrote: 4.5/10
The incident where he injured his knee looked bad, but the doctor gave himself the all-clear. Ineffective in the scrums and gave away too many penalties.
02. Adriaan Strauss [7]
Rugby365: 7/10
Found his line-out jumpers with ease and was also at the forefront of a powerful Springbok pack.
Sport24: 7/10
Not everyone favoured omission of Bismarck du Plessis, but give the 50-capper his due: tigerish display for 68 minutes including some concerted carries and near-deadeye efficiency with his lineout throw-ins.
OuGrote: 7.5/10
Grabbed his opportunity to start with both hands and had an excellent all-round game. Accurate lineout throw-ins and strong runs around the park. Got up immediately after a monster hit.
01. Beast Mtawarira [6]
Rugby365: 6/10
Did not have a lot of the ball and was solid in the scrums. He did what was asked of him.
Sport24: 6/10
Blew hot and cold … there were more “Beeeast†chants this week, indicating that he had some forceful drives. But scrums were often poor by Boks, so must take some responsibility there.
OuGrote: 6/10
A couple of runs, and solid if unspectacular in the scrums.