The Springboks team started their match in the greatest rugby rivalry from a low level, demonstrating unsatisfactory play in the second half at Ellis Park stadium against the All Blacks. As a result, the match ended with a score of 33:16 in favor of the New Zealanders. The New Zealand team showed clinical play, while handling errors and poor discipline proved fatal for the world champions, who lost their first spot in the rankings.
The Greatest Rugby Rivalry
Springboks player Jasper Wiese once again demonstrated outstanding play despite the team's defeat in Ellis Park to the All Blacks. IOL Sport rated the performances of the Springboks players as follows:
Damian Willemse received a rating of 7 points for masterful aerial ball control and successful bomb catches. He maintained composure in defense and made significant advances while running with the ball. Cheslin Kolbe received 7 points; he went out early to the flank, showing agility, and scored good conversions. He actively chased high passes but left the field due to injury. Jesse Kriel received 5 points; he started the game on the wing, playing out of position. Although he looked reliable early on, like De Allende, he lacked opportunities to showcase his skills in both attack and defense. Damian de Allende received 6 points; he made powerful runs in attack but could not exert the desired influence in his 100th test match. Kurt-Lee Arendse received a minus rating because he sustained a head injury early in the game and did not return to the field. Sasha Feinberg-Mongomoselu received 4 points; his performance was not the best for a midfielder. He made good kicks and strong runs but did not look like a confident player who conquered international rugby.
Grant Williams received 6 points; he was energetic, sharp, and full of strength in the first half, maintaining the team's pace. His kicks were accurate, allowing the Springboks pursuers to regain possession. Nevertheless, his tackle attempt in the corner on Will Jordan could have been better to prevent the try. Jasper Wiese received 8 points; he made no mistakes, and it is a pity that most Springboks forwards did not match his energy. Wiese always broke the gain line when carrying the ball and made one of the first turnovers. Pieter-Steph du Toit received 6 points; he missed two tackles that led to tries but still made strong runs and defended tirelessly. It was not a match up to his standards, but he will certainly try to make up for lost ground.
Paul de Villiers received 7 points; he immediately made an impact by using the ball early in the game, as well as making strong runs and defensive work. Despite close attention from the Kiwis, he did a worthy job in his first match against them.
Ruan Nortje received 5 points; he participated in reliable lineouts, which allowed the Springboks to execute good driving mauls. However, he needs to improve his physical fitness and tackling skills in upcoming games.
All Blacks Succeed in Ball Play
Ethan Ezebet received 6 points; he made hard tackles and runs with the ball. Nevertheless, the Springboks expected more impact from their power player in Ellis Park, especially when the team was under pressure in the second half. Wilko Lowe received 7 points; he forced the All Blacks to play in a tight formation and ensured Springboks dominance in this area of the game while he was on the field. He committed a crucial penalty kick attempt trying to go after a tackle. Malcolm Marx received 7 points; his energy does not fade even when playing for 80 minutes. He demonstrated strong ball play, but a failed tackle before the try line, when the Springboks had a powerful rolling maul, was a mistake. Ox Nche received 7 points; if he could play 80 minutes. He maulled the New Zealand tighthead during the scrum, although the first time was more than 10 minutes later. He also made strong runs and will likely await the second match.
Substitutions
Jan-Hendrik Vessels received 4 points; he could not have the desired impact in the loosehead position after coming on. Gerhard Steenkamp received 4 points; he provided solid scrums early on, replacing Nche, but could not maintain the pressure. Zachary Porten received 4 points; he did not have the expected impact when coming on at tighthead. Kobus Wiese received a minus rating; his loss of the ball in attack showed how much pressure the Springboks team was under, but there was too little time to assess his game.
Andre Esterhuizen received 7 points; he came on and immediately made an impact, scoring a try as a substitute for HIA. The hybrid player demonstrated strong runs and tackles, but had to leave the field in the second half due to injury. Marco van Staden received 4 points; he could not have the desired impact when coming on. Kobus Reinhart received 3 points; his yellow card was criminal. He created pressure on the Springboks when the game needed to be closed out.