The Springboks overcame a 14-0 deficit to finish the stronger of the 2 sides as they beat the Wallabies 44-31 at Loftus Versfeld.

Springboks 44

Tries: Juan Smith, Gurthro Steenkamp, Pierre Spies, Frans Steyn, JP Pietersen
Conversions: Morne Steyn (4), Butch James
Penalties: Morne Steyn, Francois Steyn

Wallabies 31

Tries: Will Genia, James O’Connor (2), Dean Mumm
Conversion: Matt Giteau
Penalty: Matt Giteau


It wasn’t a classic or error-free performance, but the Boks finished the stronger of the 2 sides as the Wallabies once again got spooked at altitude.

There was still a mixture of good and bad from the individual players however, as I am still convinced that we could select a better Springbok line-up.

Springbok player ratings:

1. Gurtho Steenkamp – 6

Carried the ball strongly at times to clean up loose ball. Took his try exceptionally well, showing great strength and determination.

2. John Smit (c) – 5

Better performance in the lineouts, his one wayward throw cleaned up by the athleticism of Matfield.

Always gives 100% , but is a yard or two short of pace around the field, and lacks the dynamic play that most other hookers bring.

3. Jannie du Plessis – 4

A largely anonymous performance in the tight or with ball in hand.

4. Flip van der Merwe – 5

Worked hard around the field, but didn’t carry the ball as strongly as he usually does. Possibly struggled to back up his strong effort from a week earlier.

5. Victor Matfield – 6

Missed two tackles early on that led to Wallaby tries. Came back strongly however, dominating the lineouts as the Boks played to his strengths more as the game wore on.

Will be happy to break the Springbok hoodoo of losing on in your 100th test!

6. Schalk Burger – 4

Not fast enough to play in the fetching role. Was not able to break the gain line with ball in hand and set those up around him.

Was also not visible in support for the linebreaks and offload chances created by the Springbok midfield which has to be his job.

7. Juan Smith – 6

A fantastic work rate in defence and attack. Not always accurate, coughing up at least 3 balls in good attacking positions, but took his try well with a great handoff on Drew Mitchell.

8. Pierre Spies – 3

Explosive with ball in hand without busting through tackles. Fortunate not to get subbed for Kankowski.

Is becoming a liability on defence. Goes in way to high, without fully committing himself. Someone needs to teach Spies to tackle!

9. Francois Hougaard – 9

A match winning performance from the young scrumhalf who reminds me of a young Joost van der Westhuizen. Dangerous sniping around the fringes, good kicking game and excellent covering on defence.

A couple of poorly weighted kicks and needs to improve the speed of his pass. However brilliant running with the ball, and made a match winning tackle on Adam Ashley-Cooper that could’ve won the game for the Boks.

Most players miss the tackle completely when they are one-on-one and the winger steps back inside, such as when JP Pietersen did it to Kurtley Beale late in the game, so for Hougaard to dislodge the ball on Ashley-Cooper was an unbelievable tackle!

10. Morne Steyn – 8

A much improved performance from Soweto with a great all round kicking game.

Took the ball to the line and asked questions of the Wallaby defence that created more space out wide. Was a strange decision to substitute him in the second half.

11. Bryan Habana – 1

Woeful. From IRB player of the year in 2007 to one of the worst. Had said through the week he was ready to step up and produce an improved performance.

Missed an easy kick that gifted O’Connor a try. Was barely seen after that, albeit partly due to Bok tactics.

12. Jean de Villiers – 6

Missed two tackles early on that led to Wallaby tries, but came back strongly running the ball. Had no support to make anything off his linebreaks which is not his fault.

13. Jaque Fourie – 6

Strong at times with ball in hand, but not able to step like de Jongh can, or link up with his outside support.

14. JP Pietersen – 5

Took his try well, but didn’t offer much else. Unlike the Wallaby wingers the Bok wings don’the look for enough work and try to get involved.

15. Francois Steyn – 3

Gio Aplon would’ve been much better for the Boks. Inaccurate with his kicking, it appeared Steyn was scared to run the ball back initially.

Caught on defence numerous times, almost cost the Boks in the first few minutes as Drew Mitchell got close. Gave away the penalty that led to the Wallabies second try.

Missed another tackle on Slipper in the 60th Min that almost cost the Boks. For all Kirchner’s detractors, at least he is solid in defence.

Kicked 1 long range penalty, but if Morne Steyn was on, he would’ve got it anyway.

16. Chiliboy Ralepelle – 6

Gave away a silly penalty early, but tackled well and made a great turnover later in the game. The scrum looked weaker as soon as Chili entered however.

17. CJ van der Linde – 3

Not on long enough to be rated.

18. Danie Rossouw – 5

Made a few tackles but didn’t make impact required.

19. Ryan Kankowski –

Not used

20. Ricky Januarie –

Not used

21. Butch James – 6

Solid with his kicking, but didn’t offer anything else.

22. Juan de Jongh -

Not used.