Springboks player ratings vs England: Who fired, who flopped?
· The South African
The Springboks produced a dominant display en route to a 45-21 victory over England in their Nations Championship opener at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Several Springboks strengthened their claims for future selection with outstanding performances.
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However, others, fell short of their usual high standards despite contributing to the victory.
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SPRINGBOKS WHO FIRED VS ENGLAND AT ELLIS PARK
Damian Willemse – 8.5/10
On his 50th Test appearance, Willemse was outstanding.
He dominated the aerial battle, winning almost every 50/50 contest and losing just one late in the second half.
Willemse also produced a superb 50:22 after racing back to prevent the ball from rolling into touch before executing a brilliant angled kick.
He looked composed under the high ball throughout and consistently beat defenders with his footwork and power.
Cheslin Kolbe – 8/10
Kolbe also celebrated his 50th Test in style.
The winger stepped effortlessly inside the English defence to score in the corner before assuming the goal-kicking duties despite Manie Libbok being on the field.
Kolbe finished with five successful kicks from seven attempts, including several difficult conversions from the touchline.
Grant Williams – 8/10
Williams controlled the tempo superbly from the base of the ruck.
He judged when to release the forwards, when to move the ball quickly and when to slow the game down.
His box kicks were accurate and consistently gave the Springboks opportunities to compete in the air.
He also produced a scintillating break from inside his own 22 before rounding off an excellent performance with a deserved try.
Malcolm Marx – 8/10
Marx delivered another trademark workmanlike performance.
He scored one try, created another and topped the Springboks’ tackle count. His defensive work was exceptional, and he played the full 80 minutes with relentless intensity and commitment.
UNDERWHELMING PERFORMANCES FROM ARENDSE AND DU TOIT
Kurt-Lee Arendse – 6/10
Arendse received a yellow card late just before the 30-minute mark for a deliberate knock-on.
The decision may divide opinion, but his overall display was below the exceptionally high standards he has set.
He finished well in the corner for his 24th Test try, drawing level with JP Pietersen’s record, but otherwise had a relatively quiet afternoon.
Thomas du Toit – 6/10
Du Toit endured a mixed outing.
He was bumped off by Ellis Genge in the build-up to England’s opening try, a moment he will not want to revisit.
The scrum battle was evenly contested with both packs earning penalties.
As a result, the Springboks were unable to establish their usual dominance in that area.
Who was your Man of the Match for the Springboks?
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