Player ratings: Who fired – and who flopped for Springboks

The Springboks plunged to a disappointing 35-20 defeat to the All Blacks on Saturday. Here we dish out some key player ratings.

Watch: Springboks face the Haka for first time in 2023

WHO FIRED FOR SPRINGBOKS

Cheslin Kolbe 7/10

One bright light in the Springboks backline. Kolbe was full of energy from start to finish, and displayed some of the accuracy and intent that was missing elsewhere in the South African team on Saturday. The wing superbly scored one try and should have been awarded another on a night where he can be very pleased with his contributions.

Malcolm Marx 7/10

The abrasive hooker made a massive impact off the bench, bringing a fight and ferocity to the breakdown that had been missing in the first half. Marx never disappoints, and a question may have to be asked about whether he would be better deployed from the first minute.

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WHO FLOPPED FOR BOKS

Makazole Mapimpi 3/10

It was an uncharacteristically flat performance from the veteran wing, who never looked comfortable when it came to the contestable kicks, and ultimately failed to make much of an impact with ball in hand.

Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am 4/10

This wasn’t a game to remember for this experienced centre pairing. Both players just looked short of a gallop, with some basic errors creeping into their game at crucial times, while they battled to have the usual sort of impact on defence or attack.

Faf de Klerk 5/10

There is real competition at scrumhalf, and De Klerk really didn’t do enough to suggest there is complete certainty over who should wear the No 9 jersey. One missed kick to touch at a crucial time was the real lowlight on the night.

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Kwagga Smith 4/10

Tried his level best, but really failed to make much of an impression as he was outmuscled at times and failed to really enjoy any real reward when trying to make something happen with ball in hand – until the last minute that is, when he finally scored a trademark opportunistic try.

Lood de Jager 4/10

The big man was replaced early in the second half, having struggled to produce the sort of play we are accustomed to. This game was about giving some players some much-needed game-time, and De Jager looks to be in need of it.

RECAP | LIVE BLOG: All Blacks v Springboks – Saturday, 15 July 2023