Springbok player ratings from 29-24 win against All Blacks in third Test

The Springboks secured a 29-24 victory against the All Blacks in the third Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday, taking an unassailable 2-1 lead in the four-Test series. The teams were tied at 12-all at half-time. Here are the ratings given to the Bok players by <source> The Citizen</source>, out of 10, for their performances in the match.

Cheslin Kolbe, a multi-skilled backline star, lasted only 11 minutes before failing a head injury assessment. Despite this brief appearance, he was solid in his new role as fullback, kicking well out of hand and cleaning up loose balls defensively.

Kurt-Lee Arendse worked tirelessly all over the field, making several crucial tackles and scoring a try, though he knocked the ball on once. Jesse Kriel delivered a mixed performance, making strong runs and a super try, but also knocking the ball on. Damian de Allende was a powerful presence in midfield, making big tackles and carrying strongly, and even stole a ball on the ground.

Ethan Hooker was superb once again, chasing balls, jumping high for kicks, making tackles, and running hard when given the chance. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu got a yellow card for a deliberate knock down but otherwise played well, shifting between flyhalf and fullback, making runs, tackling hard, and kicking decently.

Cobus Reinach was busy and action-packed, making numerous tackles and winning a breakdown penalty. Pieter-Steph du Toit worked hard throughout, making tackles and carries, but missing a few. Siya Kolisi, the skipper, played up to the 57th minute, contributing in tackles, carries, and overall presence.

Ruan Nortjé provided a workmanlike performance in the lineouts and broken play, making tackles, carries, and cleans. Eben Etzebeth was less effective than before but was good in the lineouts, making steals, and working hard in rucks and mauls. Wilco Louw, though less influential in broken play, was picked to scrum and won numerous penalties at the set-piece.

Malcolm Marx was simply superb, hitting his man in lineouts, dominating in tight play, winning breakdown penalties, and scoring a try. Ox Nché was picked to scrum and helped win numerous penalties, showing great hands in a passage of play. Bench Deon Fourie came on in the 57th minute and was full of action, tackling hard, running with the ball, and being a nuisance at the breakdowns.

Gerhard Steenekamp got on in the 57th minute, helping the Boks dominate in the scrums with penalties and getting on top of the All Blacks. Thomas du Toit continued the good scrum work of the starters and contributed with tackles, cleans, and carries. Lood de Jager made a big impact with carries and tackles, showing his potential for Test rugby.

André Esterhuizen worked hard on the scrum in the 68th minute, helping the Boks get the upper hand in the final 12 minutes. Cameron Hanekom also made a big impact, putting in big tackles. Morne van den Berg had a remarkable impact with several big and important tackles, kicking well, running hard, and rushing All Blacks players. His passing was also top-notch. Manie Libbok came on early for Kolbe and played superbly, with crisp passing, good performance under the high ball, and several good tackles.