South Africa player ratings: Springboks pack flex their muscles against England

Adam Kyriacou
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi

Following a 27-13 victory against England in their Autumn Nations Series Test at Twickenham on Saturday, here are the player ratings for South Africa.

15 Willie Le Roux: Played just over an hour and struggled to have the same impact he has had in recent games. His calmness was evident, however. 5

14 Kurt-Lee Arendse: What a finish from the fleet-footed wing as he claimed his seventh try in his last six Tests. A truly incredible rugby talent. 9

13 Jesse Kriel: Nothing flash with ball in hand but it rarely is for Kriel who defended stoutly as Manu Tuilagi and company were kept very quiet. 6

12 Damian de Allende: His typically physical self as he formed a solid combination with Kriel and offered a tad more than his partner in attack. 7

11 Makazole Mapimpi: Didn’t see much ball which was frustrating on his return to the side and was unlucky to be sacrificed after the red card. 5

10 Damian Willemse: Two expertly taken drop-goals before his versatility yet again became a plus point for South Africa as he shone out wide. 8

9 Faf de Klerk: A nuisance in defence against England as he stopped numerous attacks with a typically busy effort before his unfortunate injury. 7

The Springbok pack were outstanding

8 Evan Roos: Relished his huge opportunity as he never took a backward step at Twickenham. A good hour’s work that saw him make nine carries. 7

7 Franco Mostert: Wonderful in the physical exchanges as the Springbok pack dominated throughout. A massively underrated cog in this machine. 9

6 Siya Kolisi: He got through a mountain of work as Kolisi led by example on Saturday, with calm leadership noticeable while sparks were flying. 8

5 Marvin Orie: A moment he’d like to forget when he dropped a restart but otherwise a decent performance before he was replaced on 53 minutes. 6

4 Eben Etzebeth: He just loves facing England and once again didn’t disappoint in a hulking showing that included a try and a great deal more. 9

3 Frans Malherbe: Dominated at scrum time and should arguably have won more penalties than he did. Is there a better tighthead right now? 9

2 Bongi Mbonambi: Like his team-mates he relished the physical as South Africa set the tone early on before the ‘Bomb Squad’ emerged. Solid. 7

1 Ox Nche: A strong shift early on at the set-piece as Nche also helped lay the groundwork before Steven Kitshoff got the call-up after 46 minutes. 6

Replacements: Managed to stop England doing what they did late on against New Zealand but Thomas du Toit’s red card brings the score down. 6

READ MORE: Autumn Nations Series: Springboks muscle past disappointing England at Twickenham