Springboks player ratings: Cheslin Kolbe shines as South Africa defeat All Blacks

South Africa’s 33-26 victory over the All Blacks in the second Test of the Greatest Rivalry series in Cape Town produced several outstanding individual performances, with Cheslin Kolbe named Player of the Match and earning the highest rating alongside Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi and Malcolm Marx.

The Springboks responded strongly in a thrilling contest on Saturday, with their forwards providing a powerful platform and the backline making key contributions at important moments.

Starting XV

1. Gerhard Steenekamp – 6.5 Steenekamp left the field in the 36th minute after completing the hard, unglamorous work expected of him.

2. Deon Fourie – 7 Fourie was also replaced after 36 minutes. He worked effectively at lineout time, stayed busy and regularly looked for opportunities to contribute.

3. Thomas du Toit – 7 A full-match effort from “Thomas the Tank”. Du Toit offered strength and consistency throughout, producing a powerful display.

4. Eben Etzebeth – 8 One of Etzebeth’s strongest performances for some time. He played with considerable aggression in attack, competed fiercely and disrupted the All Blacks’ lineout.

5. Ruan Nortje – 7 Nortje gave everything for the team without seeking attention. He threw his body into the contest and carried out his role with commitment.

6. Siya Kolisi (captain) – 8 Kolisi led from the front and scored South Africa’s try in the 38th minute. He was replaced in the 42nd minute, but had already made a significant impression and could be thoroughly satisfied with his contribution.

7. Pieter-Steph du Toit – 7 Du Toit’s commitment to the Springbok jersey was evident once again. He was effective in both attack and defence, offering the kind of all-round performance South Africa expected from him.

8. Jasper Wiese – 7.5 At his current level, Wiese is proving extremely difficult to match. He brought the same intensity to his attacking and defensive work, giving everything throughout.

9. Cobus Reinach – 7.5 Reinach had an excellent game, moving the ball quickly from behind the pack and contributing effectively in both phases. His tactical kicking was particularly accurate.

10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – 7 A superb tackle from Feinberg-Mngomezulu prevented a try in the 11th minute. He looked notably more assured than he had in the match at Ellis Park.

11. Ethan Hooker – 7.5 Hooker was outstanding under the high ball and impressed whenever he carried possession. He made ground consistently and looked a significant threat.

12. Damian de Allende – 7.5 De Allende deserved his try in the 22nd minute after running strongly and repeatedly crossing the advantage line. He suffered an injury at half-time following an excellent tackle.

13. Jesse Kriel – 7.5 Kriel scored after only two minutes and continued to provide authority in the backline. He organised the defensive structure and helped keep the Springboks’ lines in order.

14. Cheslin Kolbe – 8 Kolbe was named Player of the Match after another lively and influential performance. He remained a constant problem for the All Blacks’ defence with ball in hand and kicked accurately at goal.

15. Damian Willemse – 7 Willemse made an excellent tackle at half-time. His overall performance was relatively quiet, but he completed his duties effectively.

Replacements

Malcolm Marx – 8 Marx forced two turnovers and created repeated problems for the All Blacks’ defence. He underlined his reputation as a powerhouse.

Ox Nche – 7 Nche brought plenty of substance to the contest – “like a can of bully beef”, packed with the meat needed for scrums, runs and tackles.

Wilco Louw – 6.5 Louw had a quieter second half but remained part of a forward effort that helped South Africa secure the win.

Lood de Jager – 6 De Jager replaced Nortje and received a yellow card. His overall performance was average.

Andre Esterhuizen – 6.5 Esterhuizen came on for Kolisi at flank and carried the ball with real force, running like a runaway train when given the opportunity.

Cameron Hanekom – 6.5 Hanekom was unable to make a major impact after the interval because he was not presented with many opportunities.

Morne van den Berg – 6.5 Van den Berg was not as effective, or as troublesome to the All Blacks, as Reinach had been earlier in the match.

Manie Libbok – 6.5 Libbok replaced Willemse at fullback and made several tackles. He had limited opportunity to demonstrate what he could offer in attack.