Good as a unit, and great as individuals. Every Springbok player played with tremendous commitment and put their body on the line.

Springbok Player ratings:

1. The Beast Mtawarira – 6

Only had 1 decent run with ball in hand, but this was a time for head down and graft from the big man. He worked hard in defence, and made tons of tackles. Had to chase attackers in open play and never stopped trying. A good workmanlike performance without the glamour.

2. Bismarck du Plessis – 9

Got stronger and stronger as the match progressed. Solid in the set-pieces, but it was his work around the rucks and mauls that sets him apart. He made numerous steals in the second half, turning over ball, getting this side on the front foot and putting pressure back on the All Blacks. Has been tremendous this season.

3. John Smit – 9

Captain courageous took numerous knocks but kept going and going. He is as tough a man as I’ve ever met, and led this side superbly. Produced a great scrum effort midway through the second half, and was prevalent all over the field when he has to carry the ball or make tackles.

4. Bakkies Botha – 8

Back to full fitness, and back to his destructive best. At the heart of the rucks, keeps the Springboks going forward and competing.

5. Victor Matfield – 8

Unlocked the All Black lineout early on, but is also invaluable in directing this Bok side around the park on attack too. Scans the field superbly, and in the second half he was in complete control and never gets rattled. Helps John Smit tremendously as a leader.

6. Heinrich Brussow – 7

Worked really hard at the breakdowns trying to put pressure on the All Blacks at each ruck. Controlled the ball well at the back of the maul, really gets into position brilliantly, protecting the ball from the opposition. Wasn’t helped by the ref who should’ve penalised the All Blacks for coming in from the side.

7. Schalk Burger – 6

A tough ask trying to fill in for Juan Smith. Worked hard, but not playing his best rugby this year. Would make almost any other international lineup though.

8. Pierre Spies – 8

Made some good runs, even from a standing start. Always kept All Black defenders honest. Struggled at the base of the scrum a few times in the second half. His workrate is good, at one stage he was beaten by Nonu and turned and got back to tackle him and knock the ball from his grasp. That’s workrate.

9. Fourie Du Preez – 9

The World’s best scrumhalf. Once again he took all the right options when the pressure went on. Created a pin point kick that led to the Bok’s first try.

10. Morne Steyn - 10

During the week he mentioned it was hard for flyhalves going backwards, but it was his job to use those chances to get the Boks going forward. He did exactly that. Took all the right options, and made no errors (compared that to Carter). Kicked every shot at goal and a difficult drop goal.

11. Bryan Habana – 8

Works exceptionally hard without the ball. Makes tackles, chases kicks and runs up and down both sides of the field! Even when he’s not scoring tries he is extremely valuable.

12. Jean de Villiers – 7

A solid last game in Bok colours, at least for now, for Jean de Villiers. Great intercept try, as only he and Habana can do.

13. Jacque Fourie – 7

Solid in the midfield and covered on defence well. Is imposing on defence.

14. Odwa Ndungane – 8

Not a big man physically, but has a big heart. Got isolated once when the Boks got caught unaware receivng a kickoff. Other than took took great options, kicked well, chased well and did everything expected of an International winger.

15. Francois Steyn – 8

Kicked 3 penalties from inside his own half. Unbelievable. 53, 59 and 61m. That’s an extraordinary effort. Didn’t miss on effort and a testament to the work he has done with Percy Montgomery. Missed one simple take in the second half, but solid otherwise.

16. Chiliboy Ralepelle -

Not used.

17. Jannie du Plessis -

Not used.

18. Danie Rousouw -

Not on long enough to be rated.

19. Ryan Kankowski – 7

Good with ball in hand when the Boks needed go forward. Did everything expected of an impact player.

20. Ricky Januarie -

Not on long enough to be rated.

21. Adi Jacobs -

Not on long enough to be rated.

22. Ruan Pienaar – 0

Not used.

Peter de Villiers – 9

Disrupted with injuries, but got team selection spot on, and the tactical play of the Boks was superb in conditions that would have been expected to favour the home side. Is now one of the most successful international coaches.