{
  "id": 10225422,
  "title": "Springbok player ratings from 42-38 defeat to Wallabies in Perth",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/springbok-player-ratings-from-42-38-defeat-to-wallabies-in-perth",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-27T13:26:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/springbok-player-ratings-from-42-38-defeat-to-wallabies-in-perth/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Springboks suffered a narrow 42-38 loss to the Wallabies in Perth, following coach Rassie Erasmus's decision to make 13 changes to the starting lineup from their previous match against the All Blacks. The Wallabies took a halftime lead of 24-17, but the Boks responded with a commanding 42-17 lead with just 10 minutes left in the game. However, three converted tries in the final minutes by the Boks only managed to secure a 38-38 tie, ultimately falling short.\n\nThe Citizen provided ratings for the Bok players out of 10. Aphelele Fassi received a score of 5, criticized for several errors and missed passes. Edwill van der Merwe scored 7, praised for his tackling and try-scoring but also for knocking on in the in-goal area. Canan Moodie earned a 7, noted for his strong tackles and dangerous play, but also for losing possession. André Esterhuizen earned a 6, praised for his strong carries but also for missing tackles. Ethan Hooker received a 7, highlighted for his consistent performances and tackling ability. Handré Pollard scored a 7, recognized for his crucial tackles and decent kicking. Herschel Jantjies scored a 6, praised for his improved performance after a long absence but criticized for not being a constant threat. Marco van Staden scored a 5, criticized for his lack of effectiveness in his new position. Elrigh Louw received a 6, praised for his hard work and tackling but criticized for not making yards. Paul de Villiers scored a 7, noted for his strong presence at the breakdown and carrying ability, but also for being missing at times. Franco Mostert scored a 5, criticized for his lack of impact despite lineout efforts. Eben Etzebeth scored a 6, praised for his presence in lineouts and rucks but criticized for not carrying as much. Zachary Porthen scored a 6, criticized for his scrum performance and lack of mobility. Johan Grobbelaar scored a 6, praised for his try-scoring and hard work but criticized for not being dominant in the scrum. Jan-Hendrik Wessels scored a 6, praised for his scrum performance and contributions but criticized for not being dominant. The bench, including Malcolm Marx, Ox Nché, Wilco Louw, Morné van den Berg, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Lood de Jager, Jasper Wiese, and Quan Horn, scored a 6, praised for their late-game impact, particularly in the scrums and energy contributions.",
  "summary": "The Boks failed to do enough to beat the Wallabies in their one-off Test on Sunday.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "SABC News",
        "title": "Boks suffer narrow 42-38 defeat to Wallabies in Perth Test",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/boks-suffer-narrow-42-38-defeat-to-wallabies-in-perth-test",
        "published": "2026-09-27T12:35:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}