Springbok player ratings in 13-8 loss to Ireland

Ireland beat the Springboks 13-8 in a Pool B Rugby World Cup match in Paris on Saturday.

Here’s how The Citizen rated the performance of the Bok players, out of 10.

Backs

Damian Willemse 8: The fullback was the Boks’ best player by far. He was a threat with ball in hand, was strong in the air and played his part defensively and through his kicking.

Kurt-Lee Arendse 6: The winger had few chances on attack, chased high balls and tackled well but with so little space to work in was mostly anonymous.

Jesse Kriel 6: He made a few half-breaks and tried hard, but a few decisions let him down. He tackled well enough; decent without being commanding.

Damian de Allende 7: A strong, powerful performance again, he got over the gainline on a number of occasions and tackled strongly, but it is time for Andre Esterhuizen to get a go.

Cheslin Kolbe 6: The winger was strong in the air, he tried to get involved at every opportunity, but didn’t get much chance to show his skill set. He scored a good try out wide.

Manie Libbok 6: He created some opportunities for his outside men, and kicked well out of hand, but goal-kicking was poor and missed a few key tackles.

Faf de Klerk 7: Did what was asked of him. Varied his kicks out of hand and his service was generally good, keeping up a good tempo. He missed two kicks at goal.

Forwards

Jasper Wiese 6: He tried to be a presence and made one or two big carries and tackles, but fell off the pace at times; just not the big presence the Boks needed.

Pieter-Steph du Toit 6: Another good showing in all departments, tackled and carried strongly at times, but more steady than properly influential.

Siya Kolisi 6: The Bok captain got stuck in, carried hard and often, and made a number of tackles, but not as commanding as usual.

Franco Mostert 7: He worked as hard as ever, moved from one ruck and tackle to the next and was a menace in the lineouts; very good outing once again.

Eben Etzebeth 7: The experienced lock worked hard, made a nuisance of himself in the lineouts and carried strongly, but left the action shortly after half-time.

Frans Malherbe 7: Scrummed very well at times, helping to get dominance in the set-pieces, and he made a number of tackles in a busy performance.

Bongi Mbonambi 6: He hit his jumpers in the lineouts, contributed to a good scrumming performance, but did not really get stuck.

Steven Kitshoff 7: Scrummed excellently at times, helping to win a few penalties, but also gave away. Made a number of tackles at close quarters.

Bench 7: RG Snyman was excellent in the second half, breaking tackles and carrying hard, while Ox Nche and Trevor Nyakane scrummed well, keeping the pressure on Ireland.

Kwagga Smith was also a menace at the breakdowns, while Jean Kleyn and Marco van Staden also played well. Deon Fourie missed one crucial throw in, while Cobus Reinach only got on late.