Springbok coach says discipline ‘cost us in a big way’ against France

The Springboks suffered a frustrating loss to France in Paris due to an error-strewn performance. Not all players shined during the match. We have rated the players.

Damien Willemse (4) was considered a shocker by his standards, wasting possession in the first half and making numerous errors with the ball and the boot. Kurt-Lee Arendse (7) fought hard but was unfortunate to have a try chalked off. He was unfairly penalized for a penalty that led to Aaron Grandidier Nkanang's try. Jesse Kriel (7.5) toiled tirelessly and made decisive breaks in the first half.

His defense was typically resolute. Damian de Allende (8) was possibly the Boks' best player, with a strong carry leading to Cobus Reinach's try. He made 16 tackles. Ethan Hooker (7) maintained his good form in the aerial contest and covered a lot of ground defensively, making cover tackles, but the ball did not travel much to his wing.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (4) had a sublime performance against Italy but fell short of a flawless display, overcooking a penalty kick, knocking on, and making management errors. Morne van den Berg (6.5) had an excellent first half but was forced into errors by Antoine Dupont. Jasper Wiese (3) played well until his moment of madness, receiving a red card for a headbutt and charging into Kalvin Gourgues with head contact.

Pieter-Steph du Toit (7.5) made a monumental effort in the second half to get his team back into the match, with lineout steals, a breakdown turnover, and strong carries. Siya Kolisi (7) did his utmost, making just over 50m with the ball in hand, excelling at the breakdown, and making numerous tackles. Ruan Nortje (7.5) was a 110% player, running a faultless Bok lineout and covering a marathon in terms of meters.

Lood de Jager (6.5) had an up-and-down game, missing a tackle and receiving a yellow card, but countered this with a lineout steal and good ball carries. Thomas du Toit (7) gave Jean-Baptiste Gros a tough time in the scrums. Jan-Hendrik Wessels (7) made the most of his 35 minutes with a lively performance, hitting lineout jumpers, bustling around the park, and nailing a maul try.

Gerhard Steenekamp (7) scrummed superbly in his first-half cameo, and Cobus Reinach (6.5) increased the Boks' tempo when he replaced Van den Berg. Franco Mostert (6) worked well in the lineout after replacing De Jager. Ox Nche (7) scrummed well in tandem with Louw and Marx.