Springbok Player Ratings v Wales

World champions South Africa required an 83rd-minute penalty from Damian Willemse to defeat an indisciplined Wales side 32-29 in Pretoria.

Despite four yellow cards that saw Wales squander a half-time advantage, Wayne Pivac's men almost rescued a remarkable result, only to be denied at the last.

Wales led 3-18 at the break with Louis Rees-Zammit grabbing a first-half brace.

The Springboks fought back in the second half with Bongi Mbonambi, Malcolm Mar and Cheslin Kolbe's try before Rhys Carre's intervention at a maul resulted in a penalty try.

Dewi Lake scored while Wales had 13 players on the pitch only for Biggar to marginally miss the posts with the conversion when he could have secured a late lead.

Solid scrummaging work and was sound on defence. Added a real punch with his four carries.

2. Bongi Mbonambi - 7

His lineout throws were on the money, while he made 36 running metres. 

He scored the first try in South Africa's comeback.

3. Frans Malherbe - 7

His trademark scrummaging ability was once again the standout in his game. He comfortably got the better of Dillon Lewis while carrying strongly.

4. Eben Etzebeth - 7

Not quite at the standard that he was at last November but still a strong outing for the Springbok veteran.

He disrupted Wales' lineout, put pressure on Hardy's kick charging down one while he racked up 12 tackles - the second-most by a Springbok.

5. Lood de Jager - 8

De Jager fumbled the ball at the lineout which directly led to Wales' first try. He spent the rest of the match making up for that error.

He made more tackles (13) than any other Springbok. He made a nice break and tried to link up with Kolbe while his lineout work was of the highest order.

6. Siya Kolisi - 5

A quiet game from the Springbok captain who was replaced shortly after half-time.

He made his tackles, and powered into rucks but wasn't as impactful with ball in hand as he has been in the past.

7. Franco Mostert - 6

Mostert's charged around the pitch getting through his usual high work load. Solid but not an outstanding test from the blindside who filled in again for Pieter-Steph du Toit.

8. Jasper Wiese - 8.5

Wiese's Premiership form translated to test rugby as he produced a man-of-the-match performance.

He was penalised early on for a no-arms tackle and did knock on the ball twice. 

However, he was brutally effective with his robust ball carries and hefty tackles.

He came close to scoring and made over 50 metres from his 17 carries.

9. Faf de Klerk - 5

A below-par performance considering Faf de Klerk's high standards.

The scrumhalf had two poor kicks in the second half and delivered some poor passes.

He did well in the build-up to Cheslin Kolbe's try and did have bright moment but overall it was not his best outing for the Springboks.

10. Elton Jantjies - 3

A nightmare performance from Elton Jantjies who was playing his first match since January.

Nothing went right for Jantjies, even when he read Wales' lineout move expertly only to be smashed in the tackle by Nick Tompkins which led to Rees-Zammit's second try.

He inexplicitly cross-kicked inside Wales' 22 for Cheslin Kolbe with no penalty advantage. He missed touch from a penalty and overcooked another kick.

He also missed two shots at goal in the first half. Once he was replaced, the Springbok attack worked far more fluidly. 

11. Makazole Mapimpi - 5

Mapimpi hardly touched the ball the entire match. He did not make a single carry as he spent the match marking Louis Rees-Zammit who dotted down twice for Wales.

The South African speedster spent most of the match competing and chasing high balls.

12. Damian de Allende - 7

De Allende thundered into contact with the ball in and on defence in other abrasive performances. 

He showed off his softer skills sending a deft kick through for Cheslin Kolbe's try. 

13. Lukhanyo Am - 7

Another all-action display from the midfielder as he gained 45 running metres from his two carries. 

He almost set Mapimpi free with an offload but the ball did go forward. 

He made some super defensive reads and threatened each time he got the ball in hand.

He competed well at the breakdown too winning one turnover.

14. Cheslin Kolbe - 7.5

Kolbe beat six defenders from his eight carries as he went search for work.

Each time he touched the ball, he managed to spark South Africa's attack.

He gained 49 metes, scored a try and was excellent in competing for the Springboks' high balls.

15. Damian Willemse - 8.5

Willemse was unlucky to pick up the man of the match award after his match-winning penalty.

With Elton Jantjies having a bad day at the office, Willemse took over the playmaking duties in the second half along with Willie Le Roux and had one of his best games in the Springbok jumper to date.

Their attack fired far better with the pair sharing the duties. He also made more running metres than any other played (128), beat six defenders and kicked six crucial points from the tee.

Reserves

Once again South Africa's bench came to the rescue with all eight players making a positive impact. 

Willie Le Rou's injection was arguably the best while the front row replacements picked up from where the starters left off.

Debutants Moerat and Louw made strong first appearances while Kwagga Smith had a notable impact. 

Malcolm Marx - 7
Steven Kitshoff - 7
Vincent Koch - 6
Salmaan Moerat - 6
Elrigh Louw - 7
Kwagga Smith - 7 
Herschell Jantjies - 5
Willie Le Roux - 8