This was a shocking team effort from the Springbok, who let themselves, the country and the jersey down. Individually it was hard to find huge fault, but collectively they were awful. Inconsistency is the only consistency since de Villiers became coach and he has taken a World Champion side with awesome players, into an average side.

Springbok Player ratings:

1. The Beast – 6

Since the first test his scrumming has gone downhill. Also in the loose he was not prominent and like all the other Springbok forwards, couldn’t manage to get over the advantage line. Has to start performing every game.

2. Chiliboy Ralepelle - 5

His scrumming, lineout throwing and general play around the field aren’t exceptional, which all the duties he is selected for! Quite clearly not the number 2 hooker in world rugby, and it hasn’t helped him to be given an honourary place on the Springbok side.

3. John Smit – 7

Always leads from the front. Not making enough yardage with bal in hand but controls the side as well as any captain could. A brave player, and if there were any decent tightheads available for the Boks, I’d move him back to hooker.

4. Johan Muller - 5

Another brave player but is limited in capacity. Never gives up, but just not worthy of playing at this high a level. Where are these 10 locks de Villiers says we have capable of playing at this level?

5. Victor Matfield – 6

Victor hasn’t quite been himself this series. Like all the Bulls guys, something has gone seriously wrong since winning the Super 14. Is it the coach, the environment or what?? Also dropped 2 balls, quite unlike Big Vic. Still a world class player.

6. Heinrich Brussow - 5

Got a couple of turnovers, but lacked prsence at the breakdown. Martyn Williams got the better of him, and that resulted in points for the Lions. Heinrich also got frustrated towards the end of the game too. South Africa needs a bigger, more aggressive opensider.

7. Juan Smith -7

Worked tirelessly all game, and used a lot as a ball carrier. Still not sure why he hasn’t been breaking the advantage line very often. Made plenty of tackles too.

8. Ryan Kankowski - 4

Not quite sure where Kankowski was playing. A couple of times he showed up at Ellis Park but didn’t do anything spectacular. If Spies is the devastating runner, we need  a more direct number 8 as backup.

9. Fourie Du Preez – 5

Like big Vic, Fourie has not enjoyed the Springbok setup. His box kicks haven’t been accurate, but his covering play has still been first class. Needs to get better protection at the rucks so he can clear ball faster.

10. Morne Steyn - 6

Kicked 3 from 3, but couldn’t dictate play because of poor quality ball. Didn everything he could, but his teammates need to help him out.

11. Jongi Nokwe - 5

Play never ran his way and he picked up a dislocated finger after which he was tentative. Could look for more work, but when you have a matchwinner like Jongi in your side, use him! A strange decision to replace him with Spies.

12. Wynand Olivier - 4

I’ve never thought Wynand Olivier is world class and Springbok level despite his good Super 14 form. Doesn’t get through many gaps and set others up, but runs straight and hard and does his job. Missed an important tackle and threw the ball that gifted Monye a try. A day to forget.

13. Jacque Fourie - 6

Had a chance to show everyone why he is highly rated. Didn’t do anything spectaular, and his defence is not rock solid as many think it is. Solid game, but a fully fit Adi Jacobs is still my first choice.

14. Odwa Ndungane - 6

Didn’t too much wrong, and got a valuable steal. However the Lions attacked down his side at every chance and that’s where they made inroads. May have been the people inside him that were more responsible however. Not enough pace to be world class.

15. Zane Kirchner - 7

Didn’t do much wrong, but wasn’t helped out by his teammates. A couple of errors including a left footed kick out on the full, but deserves another chance. Why was he subbed so early? What was the point of giving him the starting position?

16. Bismarck du Plessis - 6

Solid in the set pieces but once again his temper got the better of him when the game was getting away from the Springboks. Would still be my reserve hooker, with Smit starting.

17. Gurthro Steenkamp -

Not on long enough to make a good assessment.

18. Deon Carstens -

Did not play

19. Steven Sykes -

Not on long enough to make a good assessment.

20. Pierre Spies - 6

Made a couple of runs, nothing spectacular. Bizarre move to bring him on at wing.

21. Ruan Pienaar - 5

Rusty as a scrumhalf. Was clearly feeling the pressure to do something spectacular in the second half anf took the wrong option a couple of times.

22. Francois Steyn – 5

Many were pleased with his effort, but he didn’t do anything spectacular. One dimensional in running with ball and simply tries to run over players. A predictable player who lacks accuracy.