Some strong individual showings at times from the Springboks, but it lacked the finish as a unit that we’ve seen in previous games. Each player needs to take more responsibility, and the forwards were unable to give the backs a strong platform in the second half. consequently errors came all over the park, and pressure on each player escalated until errors were forced.

A massive step up is required for their last Tri-naions game.

Springbok Player ratings:

1. The Beast Mtawarira – 5

Worryingly his scrumming has been poor in the Tri-nations. It is now seriously affecting the Springbok’s game, and needs to be rectified. It is also starting to affect other portions of his game, and only had 1 noteworthy run with the ball. Needs greater consistency.

2. Bismarck du Plessis – 6

Performed well in the lineouts and around the park. Could perhaps lift his workrate and use his strength to offload in the tackle more. Needs to take a more direct line on attack.

3. John Smit – 6

A good effort around the park, but got lifted in the scrum and penalised too frequently. Should have changed the tactics in the second half to utlise the Springboks’ strengths more.

4. Bakkies Botha – 5

Was under a slight injury cloud coming into this game, and not one of his best. Will benefit from another week to get physically back into shape.

5. Victor Matfield – 7

Spooks the opposition at lineout time, which is his forte. Made numerous tackles, and wasn’t a strong factor on attack where he normally directs the side around the field.

6. Heinrich Brussow – 5

Was a step behind the action and that led to him only getting 1 turnover. Was outplayed by his Aussie counterparts, and made his handling let him down on attack.

7. Juan Smith – 8

Once again the man of steel in the Springbok pack.  Makes hundreds of tackles, always willing to carry the ball up, and mopped up plenty of loose balls around the ruck and lineout.

8. Pierre Spies – 7

Always a danger with ball in hand, but would benefit from greater space being created for him by his tight five. Takes the high ball well, but a little inaccurate all round.

9. Fourie Du Preez – 6

Started off well, but faded as the game progressed. Made a try saving tackle on Genia, but prehaps needed to dictate play more, and use the box kick more frequently.

10. Morne Steyn - 5

Limited opportunities with place kicks this week, but his tactical kicking was slightly off the mark. Didn’t allow the Springboks to contest enough balls, and wasn’t helped having his usual wingers gone. Needed to control the side better.

11. Bryan Habana – 7

Made 2 try saving tackles, and was brilliant on defence. Unfortunately when he left, the Boks lacked the attacking edge needed to score tries.

12. Jean de Villiers – 8

Made an excellent break in the first half, but couldn’t convert it into points. Was dangerous with ball in hand, and needed to control the midfield more in the second half.

13. Jacque Fourie – 6

Has taken his chances well lately, but couldn’t;t round off a break from de Villiers this time. Made errors and took poor options as the pressure mounted.

14. Odwa Ndungane – 6

Limited opportunities on attack, but took the right option when isolated a few times in the first half. Chased the kicks well, but lacks the ‘x’ factor to convert half chances into tries. I’d have Nokwe there any day.

15. Ruan Pienaar – 6

Couldn’t break the first line at any stage, but took solid options. Kicking game was not accurate enough, and doesn’t contest the up and under. A specialist fullback may be a better option.

16. Chiliboy Ralepelle -

Not used

17. Jannie du Plessis -

Not used

18. Danie Rousouw – 5

Has done very little all international season. Perhaps needs more game time.

19. Schalk Burger – 5

Tries hard, but not accurate enough and not making an impact. Was noticeable when he came on with Danie Rousouw, momentum shifted to Australia.

20. Ricky Januarie -

Not used

21. Adi Jacobs – 5

Took a very poor option and nearly gifted Australia a try. Limited chances otherwise.

22. Francois Steyn – 5

Didn’t offer anything on attack other than through the boot.

Peter de Villiers – 9

Took the defeat on the chin, but tactically the Boks need to return to their strengths and play with more structure. Hs tried to run more since arriving in Australia, but may need to return to the proven formula.