Springbok Player Ratings vs Wales

The Front Row [6.5]

3. Frans Malherbe [6]

Rugby365: 6/10
Gave the Boks the solidity they needed in the scrums and did some valuable work away from the set pieces.

Sport24: 6/10
Perhaps not quite enough evidence yet to suggest he should be automatic starter now in tighthead spot? Boks had some good scrums, and disappointing ones. Pinged for a side entry, but couple of sure-handed carries.

Daily Mail UK: 6/10
Scrummaged well but quiet in the loose. Not a dominant ball carrier.

Telegraph UK: 7/10
Ensured the South Africa scrum was going forwards for most of the match and great little offload to release Le Roux.

OuGrote: 6/10

2. Bismarck Du Plessis [6.5]

Rugby365: 6/10
His basics were solid, made a crucial tackle on the cross-cover early in the game and worked hard away from the set pieces.

Sport24: 6/10
Made important early tackle on meaty wing George North when danger signs flashed. Dropped a ball in contact once, but showed courage in returning to park after treatment to what first seemed fairly serious forearm/hand injury.

Daily Mail UK: 7/10
Not as effective in loose as usual but still influential while set piece was good.

Telegraph UK: 8/10
Briefly withdrawn in the first half with a bleeding hand but the South African lineout was an impeccable operation when he was on the pitch.

OuGrote: 6.5/10

1. Beast Mtawarira [6]

Rugby365: 5/10
Had some good carries and was steady in the scrums, but his workrate is not up to standard yet.

Sport24: 5.5/10
Not one of “Beast’s” better Test matches, in truth. Failed to really impose himself at scrum-time and few of his trademark, forceful drives on display.

Daily Mail UK: 7/10
Prominent in the loose and also anchored a very solid Springboks scrum.

Telegraph UK: 6/10
Difficult to tell if the Beast chant is ironic as he only ever seems to go backwards when carrying. Scrum work was very effective.

OuGrote: 6/10

SOURCES:

Daily Mail UK
Telegraph UK
Sport24
Rugby365

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