The Back Three [7.5]
Never really threated by the Scottish attack, the back three did well to look for work, as well as keep their opponents on their toes with their attacking potential.

15. Willie Le Roux [7]

Rugby365 [8] – Read the game well from the back and once again provided the Boks with an attacking spark when he joined the backline.

Sport24 [6.5] – The fullback made some early kicking errors, sometimes overdoing the policy or putting too much weight on his ‘dinks’. But he erased that trend as the game advanced, and was often well-positioned on defence and confident fielding aerial balls.

JOE UK [7] – Was never really challenged by a lacklustre Scottish attack.

Ou Grote [7] – Was good on defence, fielded some high balls, and offered good attacking support.

14. JP Pietersen [7.5]

Rugby365 [8] – Was a thorn in the Scottish side with his eye for the gap and he also got on the scoreboard again with a try. Notched up plenty of metres with his runs and was solid on defence as well. A fantastic performance by the wing.

Sport24 [6.5] – Was always going to struggle to match his productive, hat-trick feat against Samoa; there simply weren’t as many attacking opportunities on his side of the park. But no lack of industry, including great, scrambling tackle on Duncan Weir just before Scots got their breakout try. Penalised for one borderline tip-tackle.

JOE UK [7] – Finished his try nicely in the first half and caused trouble for Scotland throughout.

Ou Grote [7] – JP continues to rise to the occasion of the World Cup – was always an attacking threat, kept the Scottish defence guessing and put in some good hits. Unfairly pinged for a tip-tackle.

11. Bryan Habana [8]

Rugby365 [8] – Kept the Scottish on their toes under the high ball and also made a good couple of runs. It was a good outing for the veteran wing who also got a try.

Sport24 [7.5] – Turning into a compelling third World Cup for this 2007 winner. Fantastic sense of opportunism, high work-rate and useful bastion of experience and calmness outside some callow fellow-backs. Fine high-ball claim early on, and deserved his late try.

JOE UK [8] – Clearly not the unstoppable force he was in 2007 but was a nuisance for the Scottish defence. Showed his experience with a brilliantly finished try.

Ou Grote [7.5] – Great try from the veteran (his 61st) and as always looked for work around the park.

» Next: The Centres

Fourie du Preez has become the 56th Springbok Captain. Here is the full list dating back to 1891

01. H.H. Castens – 1891
02. Bob Sneddon – 1891
03. Alf Richards – 1891
04. Ferdie Aston – 1896
05. Fairy Heatlie – 1896

06. Alex Frew – 1903
07. Jackie Powell – 1903
08. Paddy Carolin – 1906
09. Paul Roos – 1906

(more…)

03/10 15h00 Griquas v Sharks (Kimberley)

Predictions
Rob (Ou Grote): Sharks by 7
James (Ou Grote): Sharks by 6
Sportingbet: Sharks
Bet.coza: Sharks
Sportsbet: Sharks
Ultimate Rugby Fans: 65% Sharks

» Next game

03/10 13h15 Pumas v Cheetahs (Mbombela)

Predictions
Rob (Ou Grote): Cheetahs by 10
James (Ou Grote): Cheetahs by 15
Sportingbet: Cheetahs
Bet.coza: Cheetahs
Sportsbet: Cheetahs
Ultimate Rugby Fans: 62% Cheetahs

» Next game

02/10 19h10 Bulls v Eastern Province (Pretoria)

Predictions
Rob (Ou Grote): Bulls by 30
James (Ou Grote): Bulls by 15
Sportingbet: Bulls
Bet.coza: Bulls
Sportsbet: Bulls
Ultimate Rugby Fans: 81% Bulls

» Next game

02/10 18h00 Lions v Western Province (Joburg)

Predictions
Rob (Ou Grote): Lions by 12
James (Ou Grote): Lions by 6
Sportingbet: Lions
Bet.coza: Lions
Sportsbet: Lions
Ultimate Rugby Fans: 61% Lions

» Next game