Springbok player ratings from win against Tonga

The Springboks registered a 49-18 win against Tonga in a Rugby World Cup match in Marseille on Sunday.

The Boks scored seven converted tries to just about book their place in the quarter-finals. The Boks’ pool stage play is now over following wins against Scotland, Romania and Tonga. They lost to Ireland.

This is how The Citizen rated the players performances, out of 10, against Tonga.

Backs

Willie le Roux 6: It wasn’t the most solid outing by the fullback, who made a few handling errors and didn’t quite spark the backs like he normally does, but he scored a great try, showing strength to go in at the corner.

Grant Williams 6: A busy outing for the regular scrumhalf, but he didn’t get too many chances, but looked keen and willing. Made some good tackles.

Canan Moodie 7: He made a number of important tackles and looked to get stuck in with the ball in hand, but few clearcut chances. He did, however, score a very good try.

Andre Esterhuizen 8: Another big, powerful performance from the inside centre; he carried regularly and got the Boks over the gainline on most occasions. Strong in the tackle.

Makazole Mapimpi 5: Sadly he left the action before half-time with a head knock and had few chances to show his skills and pace. He tried to get involved.

Handre Pollard 7: It was a very satisfying return for the seasoned operator. Didn’t do anything flashy, but he ran well, carried on occasion and made his tackles. Kicked superbly at goal.

Cobus Reinach 7: Another busy, strong performance from the No 9. His service was good, his kicks decent, also quick and nippy around the fringes. Scored another opportunistic try to get Boks going.

Forwards

Jasper Wiese 8: One of the No 8’s best outings. He carried well, getting the Boks over the gainline and got stuck in at ruck and maul time and made several big, crucial tackles.

Duane Vermeulen 7: Another big shift from the loose forward, who combined well with Wiese. Carried hard, tackled hard, and did great work at the rucks and mauls.

Siya Kolisi 6: A fairly quiet showing by the skipper; he made a number of tackles, but didn’t get many chances to carry, but got involved in many plays.

Marvin Orie 8: An excellent outing by the lock, his best for the Boks. He managed the lineout well, won his balls and contested strongly on Tonga throw-ins, made several tackles. Superb effort.

Eben Etzebeth 7: A strong outing again, he was a giant in the lineouts, carried hard to thee gainline and made a number of big tackles. The glue in the Bok pack.

Vincent Koch 6: The tighthead enjoyed a good outing, his first start in 28 Tests from off the bench. He scrummed well and made a few big tackles.

Deon Fourie 9: A huge game by the veteran, he nailed every lineout throw and there were many, he made his tackles and he carried, he won turn-overs and penalties at the breakdowns, and scored a try.

Ox Nche 7: He scrummed well and got stuck in at the breakdowns, mauls and rucks. He also, again, made a number of tackles and got involved in plenty of the play.

Bench 8: Steven Kitshoff and Trevor Nyakane scrummed superbly, they made tackles and carried well, Marco van Staden scored a try and was a nuisance on the ground, but missed a lineout throw. Franco Mostert was as busy as ever and Kwagga Smith got involved in everything, like always, and scored a try.

Jaden Hendrikse came on in the second half, made one poor kick, Manie Libbok slotted all three his kicks and looked threatening in open play, and made a few great tackles, while Jesse Kriel entered the action early, tackled superbly at times and scored a good try.