Hanekom shines as Springboks overcome Argentina in Buenos Aires

The Springboks secured a 17-10 victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday evening, with Cameron Hanekom producing the standout performance in an otherwise unconvincing display by Rassie Erasmus’ side.

The result was valuable, but South Africa were some way short of their best against Los Pumas. KickOff Rugby named Hanekom its man of the match in Buenos Aires after the young loose forward combined strong carrying, committed defence and a decisive try.

Here is how the Springboks players were rated.

1. Boan Venter – 6.5

Venter conceded a scrum penalty but otherwise carried out his responsibilities effectively in open play.

2. Johan Grobbelaar – 6.5

His attacking lineout included a poor overthrow. Grobbelaar worked hard around the field and made several carries, although Malcolm Marx remains firmly ahead of him in the pecking order.

3. Thomas du Toit – 6

Du Toit conceded a penalty at the first scrum of the match and had a relatively quiet spell on the field.

4. Eben Etzebeth – 7

Completing the full 80 minutes was a significant positive for Etzebeth as he returned from injury. He charged down a box kick and contributed industriously, although he gave away a late penalty after jumping into a tackle.

5. Lood de Jager – 6.5

Like Etzebeth, De Jager’s return from injury was encouraging and strengthens South Africa’s options at lock. He was an important presence in the Springboks’ lineout.

6. Siya Kolisi – 6.5

Kolisi made several excellent carries and consistently looked for work. His hamstring injury, however, will be a concern for South Africa.

7. Elrigh Louw – 6.5

Louw put in a hard-working shift and made 17 tackles. He also added some carries, although he remains behind several other loose forwards in the Springboks’ selection order.

8. Cameron Hanekom – 8.5

Hanekom was the clear player of the match for South Africa. He won a turnover at the ruck, made several powerful tackles and carried with purpose. A high-tackle penalty was a blemish, but he showed excellent control at the base of the scrum to score the Springboks’ try. It was a major performance from the youngster.

9. Cobus Reinach – 6

Reinach’s kicking from hand was below the standard expected of the experienced scrum-half. His service was acceptable, but this was not one of his better performances.

10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – 6

Returning from injury, Feinberg-Mngomezulu appeared at times to be trying too hard. He was willing to take the ball into contact and defended courageously, but his kicking from hand lacked accuracy and he was responsible for some loose passes. His ability remains clear despite an uneven display.

11. Ethan Hooker – 6.5

Hooker chased everything, defended competently and worked hard without being offered many genuine opportunities in attack.

12. Andre Esterhuizen – 6.5

Argentina kept Esterhuizen under control during the first half, although he produced a brilliant offload in the build-up to Edwill van der Merwe’s try. He later left the field for a head injury assessment, or HIA.

13. Canan Moodie – 7

Moodie played an important role in the build-up to the Springboks’ first try and defended well throughout. It was a solid contribution.

14. Edwill van der Merwe – 7.5

Van der Merwe provided South Africa with pace and attacking threat when given the chance to run. He scored the try, took a box kick brilliantly and once again showed why he is such a dangerous finisher. He rarely lets South Africa down.

15. Aphelele Fassi – 6

Fassi endured a difficult match. He was substituted before returning after Esterhuizen’s injury and looked slightly improved in the latter stages. He did well to prevent a potential 50:22 kick from Los Pumas, but he is still struggling to reproduce the form he showed last year.

Replacements – 7

The Springboks’ bench made a significant impact during a challenging match. Ben-Jason Dixon and Zachary Porthen were particularly effective when carrying the ball, while Handre Pollard’s composure proved important during the final quarter.