Springboks beat Scotland: 5 Boks make a statement

The Springboks beat Scotland 42-28 at Loftus in Pretoria in the Nations Championship.  5 players made a statement, with some enhancing their push towards bigger things in the Boks jersey and one showing why he has won the Boks jersey for so long.

Top 5 Boks

Grant Williams

Williams is now the natural successor to Faf de Klerk. He is a must in the best match 23 for the Springboks, and equally comfortable starting or making an impact. He is among the quickest players in the Boks and easily slots into the right wing position. Williams was massive against Scotland, on attack, and in defence. He made some big plays.

Paul de Villiers

There is so much to admire about De Villiers, the former SA under 20 captain. Springboks coaches have a habit of preferring length in their back row selections. If De Villiers played in Australia or New Zealand he would be the most sought after loose forward in the national set-up. In South Africa, a specialist-type open-sider has to be particularly special to convince any national coach he can be influential, at the expense of three back row forwards who offer height, line out options and kick-off receipt qualities. De Villiers, having started against England and Scotland, is the future post Siya Kolisi.

Zach Porthen

Rassie Erasmus picked Porthen to make his Test debut in 2025. Porthen, an under 18 and under 20 SA captain, is a puppy in the world of tighthead props. Erasmus selected him ahead of established veteran tightwads at the Stormers. It has proved to be an inspired choice. Porthen has been massive in the two Tests against England and Scotland. He is just 22 years-old.

Ben-Jason Dixon

The Stormers blindside flanker was introduced as a No 4 lock for Cobus Wiese at the start of the second half. He was yellow-carded for a clean out that a decade ago would have been one of 50 made in a game. He returned just after 50 minutes and made a compelling statement of intent, when it comes to physicality, commitment and mongrel. These are all the qualities Erasmus seeks in a utility flank/lock. The standard bearer of this role is Pieter-Steph du Toit, and if ever Dixon needed inspiration, Du Toit, week after week, showcases what it takes to be the best player in the world.

Handre Pollard

Pollard was flawless under the high ball receipt (five takes) and did not miss with any of his conversion attempts. He started the match at No 10 and also played No 12. He was composed, physical and full of intent. He is second to Percy Montgomery in the most points scored for the Springboks, and a double World Cup winner. He is still just 32 years-old.

The Boks scored six tries against a very good Scotland and seven tries a week earlier against England.

They lead the Southern Hemisphere table of the Nations Championship.

This was Rassie Erasmus’s record-breaking 55th Test in charge of the Boks.

Southern Hemisphere Nations Championship