Another strong effort from the Springboks, who are the form side in the world at present. Strong all around the feild, and showed more weapons in their arsenal in this encounter, but prehaps weren’t as clinical as previous Tri-nations games.

Plenty to work on, but showing the desire and commitment to achieve great things.

Springbok Player ratings:

1. The Beast Mtawarira – 5

Repeatedly penalised in the scrums for hitting on the angle. Usually a strong scrummager, was just out technically on this occassion. Carried the ball once or twice strongly, but didn’t perform any running with ball in hand that stood out. Perhaps needs to show greater consistency.

2. Bismarck du Plessis – 6

Is ever present around the park and adds a huge physical presence. However his game wasn’t polised in the set-pieces this time. Penalised once for popping the scrum, and missed 2 crucial lineout throws, the second led to a Wallaby try. However it was reassuring and an indication of how far he has developed when he motioned for John Smit to calm down after the ref was repeatedly pinning the Boks.

3. John Smit – 7

Another solid effort from the Bok captain. Strong with ball in hand, and maintains a high workrate. Like the rest of the front row, just needs to be more clinical and efficient.

4. Bakkies Botha – 7

Gets through an enormous amount of work. Worried me when he took a hit to the kee early, but like a true soldier, he keeps marching on. Is brilliant on cover defence and cleaning out.

5. Victor Matfield – 7

The brains of the Springbok pack. Never has a bad game, but didn’t dominate the lineouts. By next week I’m sure he’ll crack the Wallaby code however. Is instrumental in dicatating the Springbok pattern.

6. Heinrich Brussow – 7

Was watched a lot closer this game and was ever present all over the park. His handling let him down on a couple of occassions,  just needs to be a more effective link between forwards and backs.

7. Juan Smith – 8

The unsung hero of the Springbok pack. Is growing more and more into an “Andre Venter” like player. Has a massive workrate, on defence and attack.

8. Pierre Spies – 7

Always a danger, and whilst he didn’t get through any gaps, always presents the halfbreak and gets over the gain line. Many many of his teammates, just lacked a bit of precision in the second half.

9. Fourie Du Preez – 9

The world’s premier halfback once again dictated terms. His kicking is inch perfect, took his try superbly, but it’s his reading of the play that stood out for me. Also takes the high ball extremely well and shows massive courage for a little guy. Indispensable for the Boks, and man of the match in his 50th test.

10. Morne Steyn - 6

Missed 2 kicks, one from virtually in front. Mixed the sublime with the average, just making too many little errors, like kicking the ball out on the full. Won’t be satisified, but is growing with confidence and occasionally could’ve played the percentages better rather than chance his arm a couple of times deep in his half.

11. Bryan Habana – 8

2 well deserved tries for the Springbok flyer. Works hard off the ball, and ran some impressive lines, especially in creating his second try. Was solid in defence, an aspect of his game that is often under-rated. Was also all over the field, and worked really hard off the ball.

12. Jean de Villiers – 8

His best game this year. Created space for those around him, and exploited the new Wallaby midfield pairing superbly. Makes a big difference to the Boks when they have someone creating space for the three-quarters and outside backs.

13. Jacque Fourie – 8

Solid in defence, but more importantly worked well with John de Villiers and his outside backs to get the Springboks going forward and into gaps. Took his try superbly.

14. JP Pietersen – 6

His kicking game was erratic, mixing a couple of great kicks with 2 poor clearances. Has a high work rate around the field, working well in tandem with Habana. Possibly picked up a hamstring injury, we’ll only know its extent in time.

15. Ruan Pienaar – 7

Solid game but didn’t do anything spectacular. Worth another shot at fullback, and prehaps just needs more game time.

16. Chiliboy Ralepelle -

Not on long enough to make a telling contribution

17. Jannie du Plessis -

Not on long enough to make a telling contribution.

18. Andries Bekker -

Worked hard, but prehaps needs to focus more on the basics. Not sure that substituing him for Bakkies Botha is the right move. Danie Rousouw would give us a “like for like” and better balance overall to the side.

19. Schalk Burger – 6

Worked hard making tackles, but unable to effect any steals.

20. Ricky Januarie -

Not on long enough to make a telling contribution

21. Wynand Olivier -

Not used

22. Adi Jacobs - 5

Made one handling error with the line beckoning. Limited opportunties otherwise.

Peter de Villiers – 9

Got the tactics spot on initally, and used the subs well. The only downside was closing shop early, and the poor scrums. Was impressed with his humility after the game, and desire to keep improving.