Top Performers - South Africa vs Wales

June 04, 2018
1882
Ultimate Rugby

The opening Test of the 'June window' for these 2 sides and a largely experimental opportunity for the Coaches, Rassie Erasmus and Warren Gatland.

Both sides boasted a host of fringe and debut players and add to that it was played in Washington, USA, as well as poor conditions and you, have a largely forgettable game for both sides.

A few players did, however, stand out and we take a look at them.

Andre Esterhuizen

The Sharks midfielder had a good debut and lead his side in Meters with ball in hand, Defenders Beaten & Clean Breaks. A solid debut and so much so that many in the Republic are wondering if he will form part of Erasmus' plan for the England series starting on Saturday

Tomos Williams

Yet another top performer who made his debut the nuggety scrum half from Cardiff Blues defended well with 88% tackle completion, a try and beating 2 defenders on the night. His delivery to Anscombe was superb and the halfback pairing controlled the game well

Makazole Mapimpi

The Sharks flyer who set the Pro 14 on fire for the Cheetahs earlier this season was also on debut and was clearly up for the game with a number of telling kick chases in a game that gave him very little opportunity to show is deadly finishing skills. He did earn a 5 pointer and won 3 turnovers for the Springboks along with Travis Ismaiel and Ivan van Zyl.

Ross Moriarty

With 18 tackles and only 1 miss the 8th man lead the Welsh defensive line and carried well on the day. He made 2 clean breaks on the day and linked well with the rest of his team.

Ellis Jenkins

Jenkins took the old cliche of leading from the front to heart against the Springboks with a dominant performance and was arguably the best player on the pitch in what was his first test as captain.

A crucial turnover and great interplay saw him get a try assist for Hallam Amos. He also made 17 tackles and won 4 turnovers.