Springboks player ratings: Boks’ fighting spirit shines bright in Paris showdown

The Springboks had to dig deep in the second half of their Test against France on Saturday evening in Paris to secure a 32-17 victory, despite being a player down for the final forty minutes.  

Despite the absence of lock Lood de Jager, who received a red card, and captain Siya Kolisi in his 100th Test, who was replaced to compensate for the loss of De Jager, the world champions showed their grit and determination to beat their hosts. They scored three tries and only allowed the French three points after halftime to complete another memorable victory at the Stade de France.  

Here is how we rated the Boks.

15 Damian Willemse (7): Solid at the back by doing his job under the high kicks and winning territory for the team with his returning kicks. Had a couple of strong runs and even put his head into the breakdown to try and disrupt the French momentum.  

14 Cheslin Kolbe (8): The height that he gets under the high kicks of the Boks’ flyhalves and scrumhalves is amazing. Kolbe looked sharp everytime he got his hands on the ball on the attack. Made some strong tackles on players almost twice his size  

13 Jesse Kriel (7): Only eclipsed by Pieter-Steph du Toit when it came to making tackles in Paris. Organised the Bok defence brilliantly, especially with a player down. Had a few strong carriers too.  

12 Damian de Allende (6): Don’t underestimate the attacking runs and defensive graft he made in the game, despite being replaced early in the second half. Those extra metres made after fielding kick-offs were crucial for an exit platform.  

11 Kurt-Lee Arendse (7): Just like Kolbe, a menace in the air when chasing the box kicks from his halfbacks. Looked for work everywhere, even on defence, and put in another telling shift on the wing with the ball in hand.  

10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (8): What a treat it is to see him own the No 10 jersey and not be afraid to strut his class. Missed a few kicks at goal, but made up with excellent attacks and physicality in defence. Scored a brilliant try to seal the game.  

9 Cobus Reinach (8): Early on, the livewire scrumhalf was under the skin of the French and acquitted himself well of that. Then, he kept the defence on their feet with his runs, scored a good solo try to keep the Boks in it at halftime. 

8 Jasper Wiese (8): The engine of the eighthman does not stop working. One of the handful of guys who had to do the donkeywork that allowed the Boks to dictate play. Softened up the French with his hard hits and strong ball-carrying to open the game.  

7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (8): Stepped up as captain in the second half and led by example. He remains the Springboks’ rock on defence, was excellent as another lineout option and with his ball carries to gain territory.   

6 Siya Kolisi (6): A victim of the red card, but led the Boks’ counter-rucking in the first half and spoiled the French ball a couple of times. His instructions and motivating his players from the sidelines were outstanding.

5 Lood de Jager (4): That was a very unfortunate red card and the tall lock could not go any lower with his tackle. Yes, it put the Boks under immense pressure, but his contribution in the lineout and on defence was excellent before his marching orders.

4 Eben Etzebeth (6): Another victim of that red card, although his physicality up front laid a good platform. He chased high kicks with his teammates and was strong with his carries in the first half.  

3 Thomas du Toit (7): Gave the Springboks a strong platform in the scrums and set the tone in this department early on. His work in the loose play, on and off the ball, helped to keep France in check.

2 Malcolm Marx (9): Back to the form that has made him one of the top hookers in the world. Early on involved with some steals at the breakdown, winning possession. His lineout throws and scrummaging were outstanding. Very physical.

1 Boan Venter (6): He can be satisfied with how he went in the scrums and his overall play. Helped to win one of the very first penalties at the set piece and was maybe taken off a bit too early in the first half.

Replacements

16 Johan Grobbelaar: Not enough time on the field.

17 Gerhard Steenekamp (6): Grew into the game after replacing Venter early on, especially in the scrum and on defence.

18 Wilco Louw (7): He is the pivot in the scrums for South Africa and won a couple of penalties. Had strong carries too.

19 RG Snyman (7): Made the impact that was required, especially when the game opened with his runs and distribution.

20 Ruan Nortjé (7): The lineout ace made an immediate impact, on attack and defence, and had a strong influence.

21 André Esterhuizen (8): Switched between the forwards and backs seamlessly when it was required and scored a good try.

22 Grant Williams (8): Sped up the play with smart options behind the forwards and scored the try that sealed the game.

23 Manie Libbok (8): Brought some finesse to the attack with his passing and kicking. He oozes calmness on the ball.