Like last year in South Africa, the first two Tri-Nations test matches between South Africa and New Zealand were largely carbon copies as the All
Blacks smashed the Springboks to complete a 2-0 sweep.

Springboks 17

Tries: Danie Rossouw, Schalk Burger
Conversions: Morne Steyn (2)
Penalty: Morne Steyn

All Blacks 31

Tries: Ma’a Nonu, Mils Muliaina, Rene Ranger, Israel Dagg
Conversion: Dan Carter
Penalties: Dan Carter (2), Piri Weepu

Springbok player ratings:

1. Gurtho Steenkamp – 6

Tried galiantly, and made a few errors but cannot be faulted for effort. Let down by his team-mates.

2. John Smit (c) – 4

I’ve always thought Smit has been a strong leader, but his leadership has been lacking in the last 2 games. Victor Matfield runs the forwards and
would be a better bet to captain the side.

I’d rather Smit was honest in his appraisal of the game and say the Springboks were poor. Trying to look for positives in a 14 point defeat fools no
one. Prehaps the Boks miss Bismarck du Plessis?

3. CJ van der Linde – 3

Poor. Danie Craven said the most important player on your side is your tighthead prop. van der Linde has been shown up, not sure why de Villiers has turned to a northern hemisphere player who has shown to struggle with the pace of the game.

4. Danie Rossouw – 4

Unlucky to be yellow carded early on in the match, but should not have been involved off the ball.
Struggled to get into the game on his 50th test match after returning from the sin-bin and a forgettable occasion on such a milestone.

5. Victor Matfield – 5

Like the rest of his pack, struggled to get anything going. With such a formidable lineout, the Boks have not been playing to Matfield’s or the team’s strength. Looked extremely frustrated.

6. Schalk Burger – 6

Got better as the match wore on and his workrate stood out. Needs to be more accurate and hard-edged earlier in the game and when the game is played tighter.

7. Francois Louw – 4

Anonymous again other than a couple of runs midway during the second half. Has had no impact this Tri-Nations, and has been outplayed totally by Richie McCaw.

8. Pierre Spies – 3

Also missing in action. Had a few good runs, but makes too many errors in tight games, one of which led to a try. Looked disinterested in defence during the first half, has to add a few more strings to his bow with the 2011 Rugby World Cup in mind.

9. Ricky Januarie – 3

Brilliant in creating the offload that led to Danie Rossouw’s try. Other than that fails to control the game with either quick ball, or bringing his loose forwards into play. Needs to be discarded given his multiple opportunities.

10. Morne Steyn – 7

100% goal kicking accuracy, pity he had little front foot ball to play with, and had to make way too many tackles.

11. Bryan Habana – 4

Limited opportunities, but those he had were let down by poor handling. Also ran the wrong line when Kirchner broke in the second half.

12. Wynand Olivier – 3

Carried the ball weakly once or twice and not physical enough in the tackle. Found out at this level.

13. Jaque Fourie – 5

Wasted talent defending all day.
Play just did not run his way.

14. Jean de Villiers – 3

Hopefully won’t be played at wing again. Lacks the pace and defending skill for a top class winger.

15. Zane Kirchner – 5

Made mostakes but tried hard. Looks more comfortable at this level, has been creating chances but his side has been failing to make them count.

16. Chiliboy Ralepelle -

Not on long enough to be rated.

17. BJ Botha – 5

Solidified the scrum but not good enough in the tight loose as he struggled with the pace of the game.

18. Andries Bekker – 4

Minimal impact on the game as largely reduced to a defensive role.

19. Ryan Kankowski – 6

At least brought some enthusiasm if not accuracy to proceedings.

20. Ruan Pienaar – 5

Made errors, but at least looked to get the ball cleared quickly, showing the problem is not all the fault of the forwards.

21. Butch James -

Not used.

22. Gio Aplon – 7

Showed the value that the right attitude can make. Plays tohis strength and has a go at the defensive line, which can brings errors, but usually gets over the advantage line and the side moving forward. Unlucky not to finish off his break with a try.