This was an all around team effort, with few standout players. The forward pack functioned superbly as a unit, creating enormous pressure on the All Blacks. Deserved their victory, but perhaps let down by some poor goal kicking from Ruan Pienaar in the first half, when we could have put the game beyond doubt.

Springbok Player ratings:

1. The Beast Mtawarira – 6

Tackled strongly, and was solid in the scrums. Had one or two good runs, but is really a man we need a bit more go forward from. Could become more consistent in this area to become a great like Os du Randt.

2. Bismarck du Plessis – 8

A good performance from Bismarck du Plessis all around the field. Was strong at the rucks, carrying the ball and behaves like an extra loose forward at times. Missed one crucial lineout throw in the second half, and strangely seemed  to struggle to hear the lineout calls throughout the match! His discipline was much better in this game.

3. John Smit – 7

Leads the side brilliantly. Always composed and is becoming one of the great Springbok captains. Performed adequately in the scrums and is always willing to hit the ball up. Made one handling error, but that is a rarity these days.

4. Bakkies Botha – 7

Brings the hard edge to the pack, and his work and presence at the rucks is invaluable. Made one important tackle and slowed down at the ruck in the second half and had an all round valuable contribution.

5. Victor Matfield – 8

The best lineout forward in the world. Safe as houses on our own ball, but his value is in disrupting the opposition ball, and he set the tone for this on the All Blacks first lineout. Doesn’t usually make handling errors, and could have created space for Habana in the first half but had the ball knocked out when he had it in one hand.

6. Heinrich Brussow – 8

Shows the value of having a true opensider in the Springbok side. May not have won every ruck, but simply competing and having a presence is vital and slows the opposition ball down. Great work rate and his low centre of gravity helped create a couple of vital turnovers.

7. Juan Smith – 8

Gets through an enormous amount of work, on defence and attack. Made some great runs, some solid hits and was johnny on the spot when Spies hacked ahead to put Jacque Fourie away for the match-winning try.

8. Pierre Spies – 7

Much improved from the Lions series. Had some great runs with ball in hand, and always dragged in 2 defenders. It was his pace that created Jaque Fourie’s try. He has sensational speed for a big man. Was strong in defence and gets through a lot of work that goes unrecognised.

9. Fourie Du Preez – 7

His kicking was spot on from the base of the ruck/scrum. Could have kicked a bit more and created more lineouts. A couple of times he created pressure on himself by not clearing the ball from the base of the ruck fast enough. Just needs to ensure he controls the tempo of the game a little more.

10. Ruan Pienaar – 5

Missed too many valuable points on offer with poor kicking. He may have hit the post twice, but at this level it’s not good enough. Was good in general play and general field kicking though, and let’s hope his injury is not too serious as he is steadily getting better. Being injured creates problems in terms of flyhalf cover too.

11. Bryan Habana – 6

Play never went his way. But also didn’t work hard enough off the ball. Contested the high balls well, but needs to try and reclaim more and create chances for his side.

12. Jean de Villiers – 6

Relished the physicality of the game, and perhaps overdid it a bit, instead of trying to get his backs away. Got one trademark interception and is solid for the Boks in midfield. His injury may seem him out for the rest of the season, and that could affect the Springboks dearly.

13. Jacque Fourie – 7

Is solid in all aspects of play, but perhaps isn’t able to put his outside backs away. Has become a deadly finisher over the last 12 months, and has scored some crucial tries for the Boks.

14. JP Pietersen – 7

Barely touched the ball all game. Made an important tackle in the first half when the All Blacks were attacking down his side, and over the last couple of years has made some vital tackles which go unrecognised. His defence is excellent, but as he showed against the British and Irish Lions, he can be a great threat on attack too. The Springboks need to use him more.

15. Frans Steyn – 6

Started off with a  very important long range penalty. Was strong running at the All Black line but also took some poor options and gifted the ball back to the All Blacks on occasion. Needs to learn to hit the line as a fullback, and worryingly again was moving backwards in defence when Conrad Smith scored. He would have been unable to do anything, but someone on the Springbok coaching staff needs to address this.

16. Chiliboy Ralepelle -

Not on long enough to make a telling contribution

17. Jannie du Plessis – 6

Came on temporarily for John Smit. Did his job.

18. Danie Rousouw – 6

Didn’t make a noticeable impact when he came on, but remains a good sub to have on the bench.

19. Ryan Kankowski -

Was not needed. Thankfully.

20. Ricky Januarie – 6

Not sure why he was brought on with 5 minutes to play. I’d have kept the best halfback in the world on the field, not taken an unnecessary gamble. Did his job.

21. Morne Steyn – 7

Kicked the points for the Springboks when they mattered, only missing a difficult effort from the sideline. Missed the tackle on Conrad Smith that led to the All Blacks try, but that is not a usual occurrence. Will probably start in Durban if Pienaar is not 100%.

22. Wynand Olivier – 6

On for the last 12 minutes or so, and made a good contribution when Spies picked one up off the base of the scrum. Will probably start in Durban unless the Springbok coaching staff gamble on playing Adi Jacobs at 12.