Top Performers As Springboks Run Riot

In what can only be described as clinical performance by what Eddie Jones described as a "half baked" Springboks side, turned into a full on braai (South African term for barbeque) for the home side in Pretoria. 

Despite opening the scoring in the first half, the Wallabies never really got their heads in the game and the Springboks took full advantge of that fact.

With that said, here are the top performers from the opening fixture of the Rugby Championship. 

Kurt-Lee Arendse

An obvious choice. After scoring a hat-trick of tries, South Afrcian the left-wing was amazing under the high ball along with the entire back trio of Willie le Roux and Canan Moodie. Off eight carries, Arendse gained 73 metres of ground beating three defenders while completing 3 passes. An extra, 4 line breaks and and three tackles, completed what was a man of the match performance.

Willie le Roux

A vintage performance by the new Blue Bulls signing saw him command the South African back three with composure under the high ball, while attacking with lethal intent. Le Roux displayed his passing prowess completing 16 passes, while gaining 50 metres off 15 carries ending the game as one of the top performing backline players.

Andre Estherhuizen 

A stellar performance by the South African inside centre saw him fill the role of the rested Damien de Allende. With Lukhanyo Am commanding the defence, Estherhuizen thrived on attack, making 56 metres off 16 carries beating 5 defenders in the proceess. Esterhuizen also completed 3 passes one offload, while remaining resloute on the defensive end with seven tackles.

Marvin Orie

Before being taken off, Orie was a work horse at every break down ensuring the ball was ready for Reinach. Off three carries, Orie gained seven metres while completing 10 successful passes in the process. Three completed tackles rounded off a stellar performance by the South African second rower.

Marco van Standen

Another player who ran up his numbers in the game with his work rate was van Staden. Off only eight carries, van Staden gained 37 metres while completing 3 passes. van Staden was also active on the defensive completing 6 tackles.

Special Mentions

Jean Kleyn impressed on his as a Springbok with 10 metres gained off six carries, three tackles, forcing one turn over and was a nuisance at the line out.

Lukhanyo Am remains a staple in the Springbok team, gaining 14 metres off five carries and one offload.