Springboks player ratings: Wallabies beaten, but the rugby world not impressed with Boks

The Springboks edged past the Wallabies in Cape Town, showing more grit than polish in a performance that still left plenty to fix ahead of their looming showdown with the All Blacks.

Here’s how the players rated:

15. Aphelele Fassi – 4.5 Caught the opening kick-off cleanly, hinting at a better outing. Unfortunately, that promise faded quickly — a kick out on the full and a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on summed up a disappointing day.

14. Canan Moodie – 6 A mixed showing. Misjudged a James O’Connor kick that led to a try and spilled a pass from Pollard. But he took his own try well from a pinpoint cross-kick and looked lively in flashes.

13. Jesse Kriel – 6 Led well in the midfield and was solid on defence, though lacked attacking impact. A dependable presence.

12. Damian de Allende – 4.5 Struggled to get into the game and was involved in several errors. Not one of his more influential showings in green and gold.

11. Cheslin Kolbe – 6 As ever, his work rate was off the charts. Though starved of attacking opportunities, his relentless kick chases and brave tackling made a big impact.

10. Handré Pollard – 8.5 Composed, clinical, and creative. Kicked superbly from the tee and delivered a superb cross-kick for Moodie’s try. The general we’ve come to trust.

9. Grant Williams – 7.5 Tempered his natural attacking instincts to suit the Bok structure. Showed great awareness and zip — a composed performance.

8. Kwagga Smith – 6 An up-and-down display. Conceded a few penalties and fumbled a restart but made up for it with strong support play and a well-finished try.

7. Franco Mostert – 7.5 One of the hardest workers on the field. Tireless carries and defensive contributions. Mr Reliable.

6. Marco van Staden – 5 Gave away avoidable penalties and looked a touch off the pace. Needs more discipline in the breakdown battle.

5. Ruan Nortje – 7 Busy around the park and worked hard at lineout time. A clumsy penalty cost him half a mark, but otherwise solid.

4. RG Snyman – 6 Physical and steady but didn’t impose himself the way he can. Still growing back into top form.

3. Thomas du Toit – 7.5 Massive turnover near his tryline, strong in the scrum, and aggressive in the carry. Another solid outing for the tighthead.

2. Malcolm Marx – 8 A ruck machine. Brilliant at disrupting opposition ball and contributed heavily in contact. Vintage Marx.

1. Ox Nché – 8 The scrum anchor was in fine form. Dominant in set-pieces and worked hard in open play. A fan favourite with good reason.

Notable replacements

19. Eben Etzebeth – 8 Made a huge impact off the bench. Scored a key try, brought leadership, and physicality. Still the best lock in the world.

22. Cobus Reinach – 8 Helped close the game out calmly and efficiently. Steered the Boks with control and experience when it mattered most.