This match initially seemed an easy win for the tired Springboks, but few could have predicted such a difference in performance between the substitutes and the experienced 'Bomb Squad'. The Australian team appeared more motivated and energetic, while the South Africans looked sluggish.
International Rugby
IOL Sport conducted a rating of the Springbok players. Among them, 15-year-old Apelale FASSI received a 3 because he made a foolish forward pass to an unprotected Ethan Hooker, costing the Boks a try. Furthermore, he failed to handle the aerial ball, leading to an Australian score, and dropped a pass, ending a promising backline movement.
14-year-old Edwill van der Merwe received 7 points for a neat seventh try in his eighth match. He almost scored an acrobatic try. 13-year-old Kanan Moody received 8 points for excellent reading of the Wallabies' attack in defense; it was his best game at outside centre, marked by strong runs.
Andre Esterhuizen received 6.5 points for a magnificent long pass that helped Moody create conditions for Van der Merwe's try, as well as for softer passes from this large player. Ethan Hooker (No. 11) received 6 points; his play was typically active, but he was penalized for an overly vertical tackle and again for holding in the tackle. It was one of those days where he couldn't capitalize on the loose ball.
Handre Pollard (No. 10) received 7.5 points; he missed an attempt to find a touch early in the game, but his penalty kicking was flawless, and his game management was very good. Herschel Jantjes (No. 9) received 7.5 points for clear distribution from the scrum-half and will be pleased with his return to play. Marco van Staden (No. 8) received 5.5 points, as he was penalized for clumsy handling on the ground and looked not very confident in the No. 8 position.
Elraig Lou (No. 7) received 5.5 points; he put in a lot of effort but made too many errors, including losing three points due to a ruck infringement. Paul de Villiers (No. 6) received 8 points, regaining form after his last appearance for the Boks, and earned penalties through interceptions. His play as a free forward was impressive, and he was named possibly the best Bok.
Franco Mostert (No. 5) received 6 points; he was penalized for leaving his stance at the ruck to nullify a good aerial catch by Pollard. He was likely slightly out of form after a long break due to injury. Eben Etzebeth (No. 4) received 8 points for the veteran's polished all-around game, demonstrating outstanding skills in the out-line and mauls. Zack Potten (No. 3) received 6 points, being penalized for not staying on his feet at the ruck and not having a major impact in the scrum.
Johan Grobbelaar (No. 2) received 6 points for successful participation in the maul; it was sensible play, but he did not show outstanding results. Jan-Hendrik Vessels (No. 1) received 5.5 points as he did not exert the desired influence, and part of his play was careless.
Malcolm Marx (7)
He helped change the course of the game, as expected of a world-class player. However, the question arises as to why he did not pass to an unprotected teammate for a certain attempt near the end of the match?
Ox Nche (7.5) demonstrated huge influence in the scrum and made several big ball carries.
Wilco Louw (8)
He destroyed his opponent when he came onto the field.
Lood de Jager (6)
He failed to catch the ball in an important attacking out-line.
Jasper Wiese (7)
As usual, he was very active and played a big role in the team's comeback.
Morne van den Berg (8)
He once again demonstrated what a classic scrum-half he is. He now occupies the No. 1 scrum-half position for the Boks.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (8)
He looked fresh from the moment he entered the field, which was his best game of the year.
Quan Horn (6)
He lost the aerial contest by not jumping for the ball. It was an average game.
