Author: Rob

The Centres [7.5]
Strong running from de Allende and good defensive awareness and handling from de Villiers resulted in a vastly improved showing in the midfield.

13. Jean de Villiers [7]

Rugby365: 7/10
His distribution to his outside backs was brilliant and he had a hand in one of the tries. He also held his own on defence.

Sport24: 6.5/10
Much more decisive leadership this week as Boks cleverly built an innings, as they say. Good leg drive on one occasion, and his old sleight of hand became increasingly evident before he took another worrying crack to the jaw late on; verdict awaited …

OuGrote: 7/10
A vastly improved showing from the Bok captain with some slick handling and great marshalling of the midfield defence.

12. Damian de Allende [8]

Rugby365: 8/10
Crossed the gain line every time he got the ball and brushed off a number of Samoan defenders with his big frame. The Springboks will be hoping his injury is not too serious.

Sport24: 7.5/10
Brought stealth and power to the No 12 channel; constant handful to Samoan defence even if some of his raids were a little lateral. Tackled with great purpose as well. Damaged his right knee in first half and later forced off in 48th minute.

OuGrote: 8.5/10
Immensely strong and enterprising performance by the big centre. Made some powerful and effective runs in midfield and did well on defence.

The Back Three [8.5]
Set the game alight, with each player bringing their special powers to the mix: Willie (creating chances), Bryan (looking for work), and JPP (finishing).

15. Willie le Roux [7.5]

Rugby365: 8/10
Joined the backline with speed and made more running metres than any other player on the field. His ability to be unpredictable tested the Samoan defence throughout the game.

Sport24: 7/10
Sound outing, after welcome recall. Generally kicked well when required to do so in first half, and showed his slippery qualities on attack when Boks opened up as game progressed. Came within whisker of at least two tries.

OuGrote: 7.5/10
Injected much-needed spark into the Bok attack and created plenty of chances for his team-mates with his elusive running and solid kicking game.

14. JP Pietersen [9]

Rugby365: 9/10
Scored three tries and showed glimpses of his younger self. Definitely one of his best games in a Springbok jersey in years.

Sport24: 8/10
Flirted with yellow card after silly high challenge on Alesana Tuilagi, but otherwise a revelation after lean international spell. Settled Bok nerves with brilliantly-read intercept score, then showed sublime handling and other skills. Predatory qualities of old suddenly flooded back.

OuGrote: 9/10
He always seems to do well at World Cups and today he was back to his very best form, scoring a hat-trick with superb handling and finishing skills on display.

11. Bryan Habana [8]

Rugby365: 8/10
Consistently looked for work all over the park and beat a number of defenders during the game. He also got on the scoreboard with a great try.

Sport24: 7/10
Showed praiseworthy zest and gumption in always trying to exploit the most minor of space. Rewarded for durability with handsome, tearaway final try for Boks in 83rd minute.

OuGrote: 8/10
Exceptional workrate, popping up and contributing strongly all over the field. Even got involving in the maul that lead to Schalk Brits’ try. Scored a well-deserved try of his own to take his total in internationals to 60.

15. Zane Kirchner 2
Rugby365: 2/10
Made early mistakes and never recovered at all. Added poor decision making to his performance as well.
Sport24: 5/10
Many preconceived views on this player … yet one of the better Boks on this ghastly day, in truth. Moment of early ball-in-hand promise, some gutsy front-on tackles and a big touch-finder just before halftime. Not type to pull a game from fire, though.
Ougrote: 0/10
Really? When the team was announced I stopped reading at number 15.

14. Bryan Habana 3
Rugby365: 5/10
Never had enough of the ball to make a real impact and was forced to come inside to look for work.
Sport24: 4/10
Body language of this senior pro perhaps needed to be better – morose sort of game, though deserved to be irked by Bok inability to create proper space for their fliers.
Ougrote: 0/10
Who needs wings when you’re just going to try and bash it up through 9 – 8?

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