South Africa player ratings vs Wales: Autumn Nations Series
Yesterday at 04:05 PM
South Africa player ratings vs Wales as Rassie Erasmus’ men completed their clean sweep during the Autumn Nations Series.
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By Ruben Picardo Ashworth
South Africa stormed to a commanding 45-12 victory over Wales, handing the hosts their 12th consecutive defeat.
The Springboks showcased ruthless efficiency, with tries from Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Elrigh Louw, Aphelele Fassi, Gerhard Steenekamp, and Jordan Hendrikse.
Jordan Hendrikse added five conversions to cap a clinical performance.
Wales' only responses came through Rio Dyer's first-half try and a last-ditch effort from James Botham, but they struggled to contain South Africa's power and precision.
This dominant performance underlined the Springboks' world champion status, while Wales' woes continue in a difficult campaign.
Scroll down for Wales player ratings vs South Africa.
Wales: 12
- Tries: Rio Dyer (40′), James Botham (80′)
- Cons:Ben Thomas (80′)
- Pens:
South Africa: 45
- Tries: Franco Mostert (05′), Eben Etzebeth (08′), Kurt-Lee Arendse (18′), Elrigh Louw (33′), Aphelele Fassi (53′), Gerhard Steenekamp (61′), Jordan Hendrikse (75′)
- Cons: Jordan Hendrikse (06′, 19′, 34′, 62′,76′)
- Pens:
POLL:
South Africa player ratings vs Wales
]15 – Aphelele Fassi: 8/10
“Another solid performance from the fullback. Fassi’s positional awareness under Welsh kicks kept Wales under pressure and denied them breathing space. His quick turn of pace earned him a well-taken try down the left wing.”
14 – Cheslin Kolbe: 6/10
“A quiet performance by Kolbe’s high standards. Although error-free and defensively sound, he wasn't heavily involved in the Springboks’ attacking plays. Kolbe now heads to Monaco for the Men's 15s Player of the Year Award ceremony.”
13 – Jesse Kriel: 7/10
“Provided defensive security in the central channels, cutting off Welsh attacking opportunities. A quiet but effective outing for Kriel.”
12 – Damian de Allende: 6.5/10
“Like his centre partner, de Allende carried the ball well and neutralized threats but didn't stand out. He'll know there's room to elevate his game.”
11 – Kurt-Lee Arendse: 9/10
“The standout player in the backline. His blistering pace and lethal stepping proved too much for Wales. Arendse scored one try, set up two more, and showed excellent awareness in timing his passes.”
10 – Jordan Hendrikse: 8/10
“In just his second cap, Hendrikse looked composed at fly-half. His link-up play was sharp, he converted five of seven kicks, and capped off his performance with a late try.”
9 – Jaden Hendrikse: 6/10
“A quiet outing for the elder Hendrikse brother. He managed a few good box kicks and quick distribution but was not heavily involved.”
8 – Jasper Wiese: 8.5/10
“An exceptional performance from Wiese, whose strong ball carrying totaled 107 meters over 19 carries. His relentless hard runs broke down the Welsh defense and set the platform for South Africa's dominance.”
7 – Elrigh Louw: 7.5/10
“Impressive in his 41 minutes on the pitch. Louw was quick to rucks, made his tackles, and scored a driving try to extend South Africa's lead.”
6 – Siya Kolisi (C): 8/10
“Another commanding performance from the captain. Kolisi excelled in rucks, drives, and collisions while quietly orchestrating South Africa’s success. His leadership shone as the Springboks completed their Autumn Internationals unbeaten.”
5 – Franco Mostert: 9.5/10
“An immense showing from Mostert, who dominated every aspect of the game. His powerful runs, strong tackling, and ruck work set the tone. He also scored a well-deserved try and earned the Man of the Match award.”
4 – Eben Etzebeth: 7/10
“Called up late, Etzebeth crossed the line within eight minutes after combining with Arendse. Unfortunately, an injury forced him off in the 30th minute. He'll now focus on his bid for the Men's 15s Player of the Year Award.”
3 – Wilco Louw: 6.5/10
“Solid in the scrum and effective in drives, Louw had a reliable if unspectacular game.”
2 – Johan Grobbelaar: 6.5/10
“The rookie hooker delivered a steady performance, excelling at the basics with accurate lineout throws.”
1 – Thomas du Toit: 6.5/10
“Like his fellow prop, du Toit had a quiet but solid game, contributing well in scrums and making a few important tackles.”
Replacements
16 – Malcolm Marx: 6.5/10
“Just like Grobbelaar, Marx had a solid showing. Nothing will be on the highlight reels, but all the basics were done, and the lineout throws were good.”
17 – Gerhard Steenekamp: 7/10
“The best of the replacement front rowers, as he got himself onto the score sheet with a nice drive from the back of the ruck to evade the Welsh arms.”
18 – Vincent Koch: 6/10
“Koch had a quiet 35 minutes, and was similar to Marx in his performance.”
19 – Marco van Staden: 6.5/10
“Van Staden helped South Africa finish the game strong, and he completed the basics well in the 20 minutes he was on the pitch.”
20 – RG Snyman: 7.5/10
“Replacing Etzebeth in the 30th minute, Snyman got to finish his Autumn Internationals on a high. Following his performance last week, Snyman provided strong runs and support, which helped his fellow forwards dominate. The Lock was a central part to the quality of the lineouts as well.”
21 – Cameron Hanekom: 6.5/10
“Hanekom received around 40 minutes on his debut. The exciting youngster had time to showcase some of his skills, and although there was nothing outstanding his hard work to be in and around the rucks will add to the depth of the Boks.”
22 – Cobus Reinach: 6/10
“Not much for the replacement scrumhalf to do as the game was all but over. Some nice speed in his passes helped unlock a few attacking attempts, but nothing special was required from Reinach.”
23 – Handré Pollard: 7/10
“Coming on for 30 minutes, Pollard was playing at Inside Centre instead of his usual Number 10 position. He showed a good running threat and broke through tackles to make ground. The experience from the substitute helped Springboks see out the game.”
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Can you name Wales’ XV from their 2012 Grand Slam?
Test your rugby knowledge with this challenge! Can you name the starting XV from Wales’ unforgettable 2012 Grand Slam victory?
You've got three minutes on the clock—think fast and see how many players you can recall from that iconic team!
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