Colossal Kolisi King of Salta

Siya Kolisi got Keo.co.za’s star rating for his performance in the Springboks’ emphatic 41-23 win against the Pumas in Salta. Elton Jantjies was the pick of the backs.

Kolisi, who was fantastic for the Stormers in the Super Rugby season, both as captain and player, has been equally influential for the Springboks. He has combined effectively with Jaco Kriel on the flank and in the early part of the French series was equally comfortable in playing alongside Oupa Mohoje and Lions and Springbok captain Warren Whiteley.

Kolisi’s industrious and imposing display is reflected in his all-round contribution. He carried the ball 79 metres, second only to fullback Andries Coetzee. He made seven passes, one offload, three clean breaks, one offload and six tackles. He again did not concede a penalty and his only statistical blemish was one missed tackle.

In Whiteley’s enforced absence, Kolisi’s leadership has been even more apparent. Kriel has also come into his own and loose-forwards Uzair Cassiem and Jean-Luc du Preez have all been strong.

Jantjies is the big improver on the international stage and lock Eben Etzebeth has revelled with the additional responsibility of captaining the Boks.

Etzebeth was again huge in everything he did. The Bok captain made eight tackles, 11 carries, six passes, won three lineouts, poached one lineout, beat four defenders with ball in hand, got away three offloads and for good measure even put in an effective kick out of hand. His discipline was again magnificent and he did not concede a penalty.

Jantjies, in his last six Test matches, is kicking at 89 percent. He has been successful with 34 from 38 kicks, but it’s his general play and balance in his attack that has been so impressive.

Springbok player ratings (out of 10)

Andries Coetzee: 6

Raymond Rhule: 5

Jesse Kriel: 6

Jan Serfontein: 6

Courtnall Skosan: 6

Elton Jantjies: 8

Francois Hougaard: 5

Uzair Cassiem: 6

Jaco Kriel: 7

Siya Kolisi: 9

Franco Mostert: 7

Eben Etzebeth: 8

Coenie Oosthuizen: 7

Malcolm Marx: 7

Tendai Mtawarira: 7

Substitutes

Bongi Mbonambi: 5 (average score because he only got three minutes)

Steven Kitshoff: 6

Trevor Nyakane 6

Pieter-Steph du Toit 6

Jean-Luc du Preez 7

Rudi Paige 6

Curwin Bosch (not used)

Damian de Allende 5 (average score because of limited game time)