Springboks ratings: Ethan Hooker, scrum lead the charge as Springboks overpower All Blacks

The Springboks secured a 29-24 victory over the All Blacks in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry on Saturday at FNB Stadium in Soweto, marking their first-ever win at the venue. The world champions began the game slowly but capitalized on their physicality and dominance at the scrum, aided by the arrival of Manie Libbok following an injury to Cheslin Kolbe. This triumph secured South Africa a 2-1 series lead. IOL Sport rates the performance of the victorious Springboks.

Cheslin Kolbe's brief appearance due to a broken jaw early on was not evaluated, while Kurt-Lee Arendse was deemed dangerous in attack, scoring a key try. Jesse Kriel missed several tackles and a knock-on, but contributed with a solo try. Damian de Allende set up Arendse’s try with a standout performance on defence. Ethan Hooker delivered another stellar display, covering almost every metre of the field and making excellent defensive plays.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu provided solid kicking, though lacked impact in the attack. Cobus Reinach struggled behind the scrum and in set-piece work.

Pieter-Steph du Toit showed emotional resilience after a missed tackle, becoming a force in contact. Siya Kolisi, despite a knock, remained powerful both in attack and defense. Ruan Nortjé was solid in lineouts but needed more physicality on the field. Eben Etzebeth lacked physicality and tackling effectiveness. Wilco Louw dominated the scrums, securing the first penalty and making crucial tackles.

Malcolm Marx stole a ball in the second half, setting up a strong maul that resulted in a try. Ox Nché completely dominated the All Black scrum in his maiden appearance at loosehead. Deon Fourie made an immediate impact at the breakdown, while Gerhard Steenekamp and Thomas du Toit provided additional strength in the front row. Lood de Jager added needed physicality in the closing stages.

André Esterhuizen ran past defenders, and Cameron Hanekom maintained the team's momentum with his physicality and tackling. Morné van den Berg's speed, tenacity, and attacking instinct made a significant difference, while Manie Libbok's introduction injected pace and delivered a game-changing pass from flyhalf.