Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx delivered an outstanding performance against the All Blacks. The Springboks team managed to regain their footing in the great rugby rivalry series by securing a convincing 33–26 victory over the All Blacks at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday evening.
The setbacks that occurred in the match at Ellis Park last week gave way to a much more effective game, as every Springboks player demonstrated improvement in their delivery.
Springboks Player Ratings
IOL Sport rated the performances of the Springboks players as follows:
Damian Willemse received a rating of 7.5, showing another good outing in aerial work. Although he lacked distance in some of his clearances, he corrected this later in the game. He left the game with an injury during the break.
Cezlin Kolbe received 8.5 points. He had to possess the ball several times and made an unplanned error when attempting to clear a pass out of bounds that should have gone forward. However, he brilliantly chased Sacha's pass, leading to a penalty five meters from the All Blacks line, which he executed flawlessly through the posts.
Damian de Allende received 8 points. His powerful run into the All Blacks' 22-meter zone resulted in a penalty and three points, after which he soon burst through the line for a high-energy quarter. His play was excellent, and his tactical execution was very good.
Ethan Hooker received 8 points for an excellent early interception of Renah's kick and physical battle with Jordie Barrett, which helped halt the momentum. Overall, it was a very good game.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu received 7.5 points. He made a crucial interception on Jordie Barrett and provided good distance in his clearances. His kick, which almost led to a try, was stopped by Jordie Barrett, but it was a significantly improved match compared to the game at Ellis Park.
Cobus Reinach received 7 points. This week he had better defense compared to the unfortunate Grant Williams in the first match. Reinach skillfully supported the Bok team's attacking drive.
Jasper Wiese received 6 points. Unlike how well he played in the first match, Wiese was heavily marked by opponents and barely had a chance to carry the ball.
Peter-Steph du Toit received 8 points. The centurion player delivered a performance worthy of the occasion. He was brilliant in everything he did.
Siya Kolisi received 8 points. His perfectly calculated run for a close-range try was superb, as was his strong hit on teammate Ardie Save. This was invaluable contribution from the captain.
Ruan Nortje received 8 points. He was central to the Boks' physical mauls and demonstrated tireless energy.
Eben Ezebet received 8.5 points. He noticeably asserted his powerful presence throughout the match. He made a vital interception on the All Blacks' out-line near the Bok line, followed by another massive interception late in the game to stop a developing attack. It was Ezebet at his best.
Thomas du Toit received 7 points. He had several big carries, several strong tactical plays, and strong scores—exactly what you expect from a big player.
Deon Fourie received 7 points. He was the oldest person to play in green and gold in the test match, using his usual style. He made a key carry before the Boks' first try and did everything possible before being substituted after 35 minutes.
Gerhard Steenkamp received 7 points. He contributed significantly to the scoring during his 35 minutes and made several important carries.
Replacements
Malcolm Marx, who came on as a substitute (number 16), immediately made a huge impact in everything he participated in. A typical penalty kick for a lost ball earned his team three points, and he scored another one in the 70th minute, adding three crucial points. It was an exceptional performance.
Ox Nche (number 17) was caught offside at the ruck after several referee warnings to the front rows. He participated reasonably well in the scoring, but it was not his best match.
Wilko Lou (number 18) put significant pressure on the All Blacks' scrum when he came on in the second half. This pressure had a significant effect on how the Boks managed to drive the game to the line.
Cameron Hanekom (number 21) made a decisive interception late in the game that secured the Boks' victory. This had a big impact.
Morne van den Berg (number 22) was active and effective, helping his team finish the game. Mani Libbok (number 23) came on for the injured Willemse and performed excellently at the wingfield position, helping the team secure the win.
It is also noted that Siya Kolisi returned to the game, which was cause for celebration.
