Keo.co.za brings you the Springbok player ratings from the Test in Hamilton.

Ratings out of 10:

Frans Steyn- 8

His last Test before departing to Racing Metro and he sent a clear message to coach Peter de Villiers with his haul of nine points (points no one else in world rugby could have produced). A couple of massive 60m kicks to score the Boks’ first six points, his first an especially phenomenal effort at sea level on a damp pitch. One mistake in the air, but otherwise was so strong under the high ball. Coach De Villiers will be rightly celebrating the win, but after that will have to re-think his overseas policy for players such as Steyn and Jean de Villiers.

Odwa Ndungane – 6

Had a shaky start as he didn’t get in the air when receiving kicks, and will have to re-work his technique. Week in defence at times, and didn’t commit himself when Isaia Toeava ran at him for Sitiveni Sivivatu’s try, but did look more composed as the match went on.

Jaque Fourie - 6

The All Blacks adopted a high-ball strategy akin to the Boks, but Fourie and co were solid in the air. Also marshaled the defence well, although he did miss some tackles as the match loosened up.

Jean de Villiers – 8

Got over the advantage line every time in possession and got his customary intercept off a Dan Carter pass to stroll over under the poles. Coach De Villiers also has much to think about with him leaving to Munster. Jean has talked in depth how this could be his last Bok tour, there is no way it should be and everything must be done by the Bok management to ensure it isn’t.

Bryan Habana – 7

Took a late hit from Kieran Read as well as one in the air from Joe Rokocoko, both of which should have resulted in yellow cards, but continued to harass all night. Came into the match with a hamstring problem, but soldiered on bravely until two minutes remaining.

Morne Steyn – 7

Didn’t miss a kick all night, including a drop from the wrong side of the field which saw him claim 13 points. Also did some impressive covering work on defence.

Fourie du Preez – 8

Great up and under for his try which showed his game-breaking ability, and was so composed throughout. Why coach De Villiers brought Januarie on for his customary two minutes with the game still in the balance is a mystery.

Pierre Spies – 7

Some defensive work that goes unnoticed, one hit on Ma’a Nonu when the Blacks looked dangerous early in the second half was vital. Has also adapted his play to be more tight in Tests such as this. However, still lacks the composure at the back of the scrum at times with his handling.

Schalk Burger – 7

Was a late replacement for Juan Smith and worked hard throughout with controlled aggression. Off after 67 minutes and worked industriously throughout.

Heinrich Brussow – 7

Made some telling steals, especially one with the hosts on attack in the first half. Harassed Richie McCaw all night and was more productive than the previous two weeks in Australia in outplaying McCaw for three consecutive matches.

Victor Matfield – 8

His 20th Test against the old enemy and again disrupted the All Blacks’ lineout. Steve Hansen said he’s only human before the kick-off, might re-think that statement as the Blacks lost set-piece after set-piece.

Bakkies Botha – 8

The most outrageous pick up at full pace in the build-up to Du Preez’s try showed his extraordinary skill to go with the grunt. His usual self around the park.

John Smit – 9

Most of the focus was on the Bok captain before the Test and was clearly targeted by the All Blacks. However, it didn’t work as he claimed his first victory on Kiwi soil in an international to go along with the Tri-Nations title. Conceded the first six points against the Boks due to belligerent referee Nigel Owens for some interesting calls, but from there on silenced all of his detractors. Not that he would have thought about it before the match, but gained some revenge for Brad Thorn’s spike tackle last year in Wellington when he put in a monstrous hit to much appreciation from from his team-mates. His scrum effort on the hour-mark underneath the poles when the Blacks were coming  back into the game was another act of greatness. 

Bismarck du Plessis – 7

Missed some poor tackles when he went too high, but forced three telling turnovers in the second half to stop the constant Black attack.

Beast Mtawarira – 7

Also under scrutiny at scrum-time but negotiated Owen Frans with relative ease. Some brilliant cross-cover hits. 

Subs:

Chiliboy Ralepelle – Not enough time to be judged.

Jannie du Plessis – As above.

Danie Rossouw – 7

On after 71 minutes for an injured Bakkies Botha and put in some big hits around the fringes as well as some hulking runs. 

Ryan Kankowski – 7

Late replacement as Burger was elevated to the starting XV and came on after 67 minutes for the injured flanker.  Showed some nice hands and played tight, which was needed.

Ricky Januarie – Not enough time to be judged.

Adi Jacobs – Not enough time to be judged.

Ruan Pienaar – Didn’t come on.

By Grant Ball

This entry was posted on Saturday, September 12th, 2009 at 11:05 am and is filed under Springboks, Tri-Nations. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.