Once again the Boks played well as a team, especially in the forwards. We may have dropped the intensity in the second half when the game was in the bag, and it showed we still have areas to improve on. However this Springbok side has impressed with its attitude, commitment and standards, and I have a feeling they’ll only get better as the year rolls on.

Springbok Player ratings:

1. The Beast Mtawarira – 6

Had a couple of strong runs, but lost focus in the scrums in the second half. His workrate around the field impresses, and he is a force both on attack and defence. Could have been stronger all round, but once again a solid effort.

2. Bismarck du Plessis – 7

Performed well in the set-pieces. Didn’t lose a lineout on our throw. Strong with ball in hand but perhaps isolated himself a couple of times. His discipline this season has been a marked improvement on previous years, and he has developed into a great player. I feel he benefits immensely from having John Smit to mentor and guide him.

3. John Smit – 8

A truly composed leader who brings great stability to this Bok side. His versatility in moving to the loosehead side shows jut how gifted a player he is. Had a couple of handling errors, but his skill in putting through a left foot grubber to create Victor Matfield’s try was the stuff International flyhalves dream of.

4. Bakkies Botha – 8

A huge effort from the big “Enforcer” once again. Such a massive presence around the field, and leads this Springbok pack into battle. His tackle on Berrick Barnes after 64 minutes just shows the workrate and heart of the big man.

5. Victor Matfield – 8

Once again he unlocked the key to another team’s lineout. His genius in this regard is often not given enough credit. Took plenty of Bok lineout throws himself and was magnificent in following up John Smit’s grubber for a great try. Made it look easy as a slippery ball, and having to bend down from his height would have caused many internationals to mess up the scoring chance.

6. Heinrich Brussow – 8

Fast becoming undroppable. Add’s immense value in creating turnovers in every game. The first time we’ve had a true opensider who can dominate since Ruben Kruger. Another solid display all round.

7. Juan Smith – 8

Injured his ankle early on in the game and looked like he’d have to leave the field. However Juan is as tough as steel and the fact he carried on for another 40 minutes show’s what he is made of. Another workmanlike performance. Him and Schalk may now be competing for the same position.

8. Pierre Spies – 8

Always strong with ball in hand, and seems to generate enormous leg drive even from a standing start. Just got pulled down for what would have been a magnificent try at the end of the first half. Very solid in picking the ball up from the base of the scrum the last 2 weeks, even when his scrum is disintegrating or going backwards. In fact he almost created a try for Bryan Habana from a short side run and chip late in the second half.

9. Fourie Du Preez – 8

Performed brilliantly in all aspects of the game, even when he was flattened from Matt Giteau’s cheap shot. Has taken way too many off the ball challenges this season and someone is going to nail him illegally sooner or later. However he’s a tough guy for someone so small. His box kicking was just superb, almost able to put the ball on a sixpence at will and givng the Springbok chasers plenty of chance to contest the high ball.

10. Morne Steyn - 8

A solid all round kicking display once again. Breaking records left, right and centre which is testament to the hard work he has put in over the lsat few years. Once again made a couple of kicing errors, but always bounces back strongly and is able to put them behind him, which is where Ruan Pienaar could improve.

11. Bryan Habana – 7

Once again limited opportunities for the Springbok flyer. Always chases the kicks well, and solid in defence. Just needs to be brought into the game more, and have opportunties created.

12. Jean de Villiers – 7

Hasn’t quite reproduced the form of last year when he was South Africa’s player of the year. Solid all round, but just not able to get through the half-gaps or finish off the tackle that would make the massive difference.

13. Jacque Fourie – 7

Limited opportunities and perhaps could have threatened the line more once Stirling Mortlock was off. Is solid in defence and great at makng cover tackles. However maybe needs to improve his distribution to bring the Springbok back three into the game more.

14. JP Pietersen – 6

Has been solid on defence for the last 18 months, but missed vital tackles in this game. Wasn’t on his wing which helped the Wallabies score their opening try, and made handling errors at vital times. Not one of his better games.

15. Frans Steyn – 6

Too many errors this time around after being very solid the week before. That’s the problem with Steyn, he blows hot and cold. A couple of erros kicking the ball out on the full, and in attack he too often closes the space down for those around him. early on he did it to JP Pietersen and late in the first half closed down Habana’s space. On both occasions he contributed to his players making handling errors.

16. Chiliboy Ralepelle -

Not used

17. Jannie du Plessis – 5

Limited opportunties but didn’t help the scrum which was his job.

18. Andries Bekker -

Not used

19. Danie Rousouw - 6

Needs to make more impact when he comes on. A big, strong ball carrier, but hasn’t made enough yardage. Prehaps better used as a lock replacement, especially when Schalk Burger returns.

20. Ricky Januarie – 6

Not on long enough to make a telling contribution

21. Wynand Olivier -

Not used

22. Adi Jacobs -

Not on long enough to make a telling contribution

Peter de Villiers – 8

Utilised the Springbok’s strength in formulating his game plan and has been much better with his substitutions since the Lions series. Was gutsy to take Francois Steyn off and introduce Ruan Pienaar.