One must accept that all "ratings" is a personal opinion. Several players did not get sufficient opportunities or just can not expect to get opportunities as the game plan does not suit their strengths.
15 Willie le Roux (5/10)
Did not have too many chances with the ball in hand and had a shocking day on defence – making just one of the five tackles he attempted, however, it must be said the one tackle on Robbie Henshaw did stop a possible B7I Lions try.
14 Cheslin Kolbe (3/10)
The Springbok game plan does not suit Kolbe, however, one must question why he did not attack open spaces when he had the opportunities. His general "work rate" was high but unfortunately had no effect on the outcome of the game. The use of other players to cover for Kolbe on defence and his aerial shortcomings only caused gaps in other spaces on the field.
13 Lukhanyo Am (8/10)
We will remember him for that first big hit that won a turnover but his efforts on defence throughout the test made him one of the Springboks' most impressive performers.
12 Damian de Allende (8/10)
Conceded an offside penalty, but made plenty of tackles and won a couple of first-half turnovers. He made some strong carries and was his team’s most productive backline player.
11 Makazole Mapimpi (6/10)
He was not given many opportunities on the attack but was solid on defence. His cross-kick led to Faf de Klerk's try. An average performance but not his mistake.
10 Handre Pollard (7/10)
He was one of the best players in the first half. He was great under the high ball but admittingly his work rate "out of position" was brilliant but it did put the team under pressure.
9 Francois de Klerk (6/10)
An average performance with his insistence to be "Superman" made him absent, when he was needed at scrumhalf to do his basic job.
8 Kwagga Smith (4/10)
He did some excellent work at the breakdown. Unfortunately horrible under the high ball and a second-half performance which he would want to forget asap. Not the solution at #8.
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (9/10)
As usual our best forward on the day. His work rate and physicality was a big factor. One can blame him for an "excess" of physicality but personally, I am fine with that.
6 Siyamthanda Kolisi (captain) (7.5/10)
His best game since he was appointed as captain. The "mixup" of roles the loosies had to play did not allow him to perform his basic duties as a #6. Personally would like to see him more visible as captain on the field, admittingly I may be wrong.
5 Franco Mostert (5/10)
Truly Mr Dependable. Although his work rate was as always impressive I could not help wondering if he won't have more effect as a #7 but definately as an impact player and not a starter.
4 Eben Etzebeth (8/10)
If one would ask more from Etzebeth you would be asking for miracles. Etzebeth and du Toit were the only two players having a physical effect on the B&I Lions.
3 Trevor Nyakane (6.5/10)
He surprised us all in the scrums.
2 Mbongeni Mbonambi (7.5/10)
His throw in's come lineout time as usual brilliant. Never underestimate his influence on the much-improved scrumming performance. Our best hooker by a mile.
1 Ox Nche (7/10)
Good in the scrums with a really good work rate and a number of strong carries. Made his tackles.
16 Malcolm Marx (5.5/10)
Part of the disappointing "bomb squad" front row that disappointed. He had no impact with the ball in hand but made all his tackles.
17 Steven Kitshoff (5.5/10)
Part of the disappointing "bomb squad" front row that disappointed. He had no impact with the ball in hand but made all his tackles.
19 Frans Malherbe (3/10)
Disappointing to say the least.
19 Lodewyk de Jager (3.5/10)
He "tried" but had no effect.
20 Rynhardt Elstadt (3/10)
He "tried" but had no effect.
21 Herschel Jantjies, 22 Elton Jantjies & 23 Damian Willemse.
Not enough time to rate.
