The Springboks on paper are littered with classy, experienced players all over the pitch. However once again as individuals and a team, they failed to deliver when it mattered most.

Springboks 13

Tries: Jaque Fourie, Guthro Steenkamp
Penalty: Morne Steyn

Wallabies 30

Tries: Drew Mitchell, Will Genia
Conversion: James O’Connor
Penalties: Matt Giteau (5), James O’ Connor

Springbok player ratings:

1. Gurtho Steenkamp – 5

The only Springbok player to have played all 480 minutes of test rugby this year. Another 100 percent effort, but without the same accuracy as previous weeks and will look forward to some much needed rest and recuperation. Rewarded for his efforts with a well-worked try.

2. John Smit (c) – 2

I’ve believed for some time Smit should lead us to the World Cup, but on the back of the last 3 weeks I would rather see Gary Botha or Tiaan Liebenberg.

Always leads from the front, but has struggled with his lineout throwing recently which once again cost points as a crucial stage of the match. Also lacking pace and effectiveness round the field. Maybe a break would freshen him up, but it’s becoming a gamble.

As evidenced with the penalty late in the game, his consulting with Victor Matfield is becoming more than advice, and he is now leaning too heavily on a more successful leader. Also has to take responsibility (along with Peter de Villiers) for yellow cards which has cost the Boks dearly.

3. BJ Botha – 4

Blotted his perfromance with an unlucky yellow card. Was industrious without making a big enough impact, although held his side of the scrum up well against Benn Robinson.

4. Danie Rossouw – 2

A forgetable performance from the big lock who has failed to bring the grunt needed to replace Bakkies Botha. A great team man who gives 100%, his accuracy holding on to the ball once again cost the Boks at crucial times, and slipped too many tackles which gave the Wallabies momentum.

5. Victor Matfield – 5

Has not been at his best recently, and unable to dominate the lineouts as we’ve come to expect.

Took good options in getting the ball wide when it was on and makes plenty of tackles, but needs help from his team-mates to dominate the areas he is selected for.

6. Schalk Burger – 6

A massive work-rate and made plenty of tackles as well as carrying the ball up. Whilst that is all one can ask of a blind side flank, Schalk needed to play more as an opensider, and whilst he tried hard, he was innefective in creating enough pressure on Australian ball to create any turnovers.

7. Ryan Kankowski – 7

The Springboks targeted a wider channel than in recent weeks, and Kankowski did his job well without ever really busting the line wide open. Needed more support on his shoulder which was sadly lacking.

8. Pierre Spies – 5

Tried to gee the side up once Fourie was sinbinned, but as a senior player needs to lead from the front more often in tight matches like this. Had one or two strong runs but needs to be more involved over the 80 minutes, and get the loose trio working better as a unit.

9. Ruan Pienaar – 6

The Boks attacking game was helped immensely by quicker delivery from Pienaar yet it was still largely inneffective. Made 1 or 2 snipes around the ruck area, but unable to link with his outside backs effectively. Also needed greater accuracy with his kicking game.

10. Morne Steyn – 6

Limited opportunity with his goal-kicking and departed early in the game for Butch James. Made 1 clean linebreak but once again the Boks couldn’t capitalise.

11. Bryan Habana – 3

Made some strong covering tackles, often when he was initally beaten. Handling has been a problem, but most worringly he exposes the defenisve line by continually coming in off his wing looking for the intercept. Living on reputation and should be replaced in my opinion.

12. Wynand Olivier – 5

Had to make a couple of crucial tackles when the Boks were exposed out wide, and had a couple of strong ball carries. Overall just hasn’t done enough to ignite the Boks attack.

13. Jaque Fourie – 2

Obviously hadn’t learnt his lesson from last year’s spear tackle, and one expects more from a senior player. Missed too many first time tackles, although had one electrifying run later in the second half.

14. Gio Aplon – 4

Limited opportunities. Made a hash of a set move in the second half as he aimlessly kicked the ball back to the Wallabies.

15. Zane Kirchner – 6

A busy night for the fullback. Many are critical of his play, but Kirchner is never going to bust a game open. He is a solid player who once again did his job, and his strength is creating opportunities for those around him, who are sadly struggling to gel as a side.

16. Chiliboy Ralepelle – 5

Did his job when he came on, but had little noticeable impact.

17. CJ van der Linde – 4

Much the same as Chiliboy.

18. Flip van der Merwe – 5

Has the ability to be the nect “Bakkies” but needs to make a greater impact with the little opportunities he is given.

19. Dewald Potgieter – 8

Ran strongly and looked to get involved as often as possible. Ran some good lines, looking to exploit holes in the Wallaby defence.

20. Francois Hougaard – 8

Brilliant. Not necessarily in terms of anything he did, but for having a go and asking questions of the Wallaby defence. Looked to clear the ball quickly, and snipe around the fringes as the Wallabies got tired. Backed himself, and that is the sort of attitude his team-mates need to exhibit. Needs to be included in the starting line-up as he is a star of the future.

21. Butch James – 4

Offered very little when he came on and needs to be more accurte with his kicking game rather than simply hoofing the ball downfield and hoping for the best.

22. Juan de Jongh – 6

Looked sharp and incisive when he came on, like Hougaard he looked to run direct and step his way through defenders. Made his tackles, although let himself down, giving away a silly penalty for pushing a player.

Peter de Villiers – 2

Has failed to deliver and tactically out manouvered by his counterpart Robbie Deans. The Boks attacking play has looked stagnant and one-dimensional compared with their Tri-Nations rivals.