In general the Boks were disappointing. Lack of discipline cost them in penalties, lack of execution caused costly errors, whilst lack of energy and passion simply produced a substandard display. However the last 20 minutes showed what they are capable of us Morne Steyn, Jacque Fourie and Heinrich Brussow seemed to lift the players around them.

Springbok Player ratings:

1. The Beast – 7

Had a strong effort in the loose, but came off second best in the scrums against Gethin Jenkins.

2. Bismarck du Plessis – 6

Did the basics well enough, and while many criticised his quick penalty tap late in the second half, the Lions were never back 10m, and more should have come from that from the ref.

3. John Smit – 8

Led well from the front. Always gives 100% and keep the team composed right until the end. A cool, calm and collected captain.

4. Bakkies Botha – 6

Had a couple of strong runs with ball in hand. We need to see more of that, and as the Springbok enforcer, allowed the Lions to dominate our pack.

5. Victor Matfield – 7

Had a high work rate, but didn’t get the usual steals on opposition throw in the lineout. Always performs well but not one of his more exceptional tests.

6. Schalk Burger – 4

Could have been lucky to play 69 minutes. Not the player he once was. Jake White says he is the best player he ever coached, but for all his enthusiasm and commitment, lacks the quality of execution in my book. Gave away a silly offside penalty also in the second half, and ultimately cost the Boks at least 6 points.

7. Juan Smith -6

A fairly quiet game or Juan Smith. Not prominent on attack of defence, maybe he needs a rest or prehaps it is time to give Dewald Potgeiter a chance bearing in mind the 2011 world cup.

8. Pierre Spies – 7

Strong with ball in hand, made some some telling runs. His covering of the line improved from Durban, and made a try saving tackle late in the first half. Was still slightly anonymous however.

9. Fourie Du Preez – 6

Never has a bad game, but like Spies has been slightly anonymous this series. Didn’t dominate with his kicking game, but in the second half started to run the ball back at the Lions more and more, creating momentum for the Boks.

10. Ruan Pienaar – 4

Had a bad day with the boot. Missed too many easy kicks, and also failed to find touch from a lineout when the Boks were under pressure. Do we drop him for Morne Steyn? If de Villiers loves him so much, he should be persisted with, which is tough on Morne.

11. Bryan Habana – 7

Contributed to the Lions try by coming off his wing, but had a high workrate. Good to see him involved and running onto the ball in the second half, although with little room to move. It’s not the best ball, but it’s a start. Took his try well.

12. Jean de Villiers – 5

Hasn’t regained the high standards he set in 2008. Defence was average, and not breaking the line on attack. Time to try the in form Wynand Olivier?

13. Adi Jacobs – 6

Improved his defence by showing greater commitment. Had some good runs on attack, just failing to link up with other runners. Has done nothing wrong, but Fourie’s exceptional showing should demote him to the bench.

14. JP Pietersen – 7

A much stronger game, running onto the ball more courtesy of better ball. Gave away a silly penalty however in the first half.

15. Frans Steyn – 5

Once again inconsistent with his kicking, although they are long range attempts. Inconsistent at the back and produce enough contestable kicks, which allowed Kearney to get the Lions into Bok territory.

16. Chiliboy Ralepelle -

Did not play

17. Deon Carstens -

Did not play

18. Andries Bekker – 5

Gave away a crucial penalty which almost gave the Lions a draw. Doesn’t make enough impact to warrant his inclusion.

19. Danie Roussow – 4

Got concussed almost immediately.

20. Heinrich Brussow – 9

Made 3 crucial turnovers in the 20 minutes or so he played. Probably benefited from the Lions being tired for the last 20, but provided the spark the Bok forwards needed.

21. Jacque Fourie – 9

Super sub Fourie took his chance exceptionally well. Has earned the right to wear the 13 jersey, at least for now.

22. Morne Steyn – 10

The hero! Kicked every goal, including 2 very tough kicks. Strong with ball in hand, got the backline going. Did everything that was asked of him, and then took it upon himself to win the series. I’ve said Morne is a great player for the last few years, so i’m pleased to see him do so well. I’d keep Ruan at flyhalf and play Morne at inside centre, as he simply has to be in the side.