South Africa player ratings: Springbok Bomb Squad impress in losing cause

Following their 19-16 defeat to Ireland in their Autumn Nations Series clash at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, here’s the player ratings for South Africa.

15 Cheslin Kolbe: Started his first Test at full-back and kept Ireland’s defenders busy with some darting runs. Launched several high balls which made little impact and was yellow carded for an illegal hit on Mack Hansen. 6

14 Kurt-Lee Arendse: Had few chances on attack, while restricted mostly to defensive duties and chasing high balls. Replaced by Willie le Roux early in the second half but came back on as a blood replacement for Makazole Mapimpi and rewarded with a try. 6

13 Jesse Kriel: He had few attacking opportunities but did what was expected of him on defence, including one big hit on Ireland captain Johnny Sexton. 6

12 Damian de Allende: Came the fore with some powerful carries which tested the home side’s defence, and he also put his body on the line on defence. 7

11 Makazole Mapimpi: Was safe under the high ball and did what was expected of him on defence but little interesting to report on attack. 6

10 Damian Willemse: Looked dangerous on attack and gained valuable metres on several occasions. However, his kicking proved costly as he was off target with a penalty attempt, missed touch with one kick for the line and also put the ball out directly on one occasion. 6

9 Jaden Hendrikse: Played mostly as a link between forwards and backline and although he delivered a crisp service to his outside backs, he did not do much. Replaced by Faf de Klerk in the 52nd minute. 6

Strong forward effort not enough for victory

8 Jasper Wiese: As usual, he was a willing ball carrier but most of his runs were down blind alleys and Ireland’s defence did well to keep him in check. 6

7 Pieter-Steph du Toit: Like Wiese, he also gave his all on attack but it did not trouble the home side’s defence. Also won some lineout balls and did his bit on defence. 7

6 Siya Kolisi (c): The Springbok skipper had a quiet game by his high standards. Was his usual busy self on defence but not influential in other departments. 6

5 Lood de Jager: The behemoth second-row was only on the field for 35 minutes before being forced off with a shoulder injury. Won his lineout balls but made little impact in other areas. 6

4 Eben Etzebeth: Came to the fore with a huge effort at the coalface of the Springboks’ forward effort. Did brilliantly to draw in three defenders before offloading to Arendse, who crossed for his try. Also won his fair share of lineout balls and made 16 tackles. 8

3 Frans Malherbe: Delivered a solid shift during a 45-minute stint on the field before being replaced by Vincent Koch. Malherbe did what was expected of him in the scrums although he also conceded a penalty at the set-piece. 6

2 Malcolm Marx: The Springbok forwards started brightly and Marx was at the forefront of that effort during the opening half. Shone in taking the ball into contact and his core duties, before being replaced in the 57th minute. 7

1 Steven Kitshoff: Another player who impressed during his 57 minutes on the field. Ran hard and stood up well in the scrums, although he was penalised on one occasion at the set-piece. 6

Replacements: The Boks’ bench brought plenty of energy to their cause with the likes of Franco Mostert, Le Roux, Vincent Koch, Ox Nche, Kwagga Smith and Deon Fourie all making their presence felt when they entered the fray. They nearly succeeded in helping their team seal an unlikely win but fell just short in achieving that goal. 9

READ MORE: Autumn Nations Series: Ireland claim scalp of Rugby World Cup holders South Africa in Dublin