Wallabies Player Ratings v South Africa
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Australia got back on track in the Rugby Championship by recording a deserved 25-17 win against South Africa in Adelaide, responding to their humiliating defeat to Argentina in emphatic fashion.
Here is how we rated the Wallabies in their victory.
15 Reece Hodge - 7
An assured performance in all facets of the game. He made some excellent tackles and was safe under the high ball.
14 Tom Wright - 6.5
He made a nice break in the build-up to Koroibete's try while his booming boot came in handy on the right-hand side.
13 Len Ikitau - 7.5
He went off in the latter stages of the match with an injury, but it was another standout game from the centre who managed to keep Lukhanyo Am quieter than he was against the All Blacks. He was elusive with the ball in hand too.
12 Hunter Paisami - 6.5
Set the platform for the Wallabies with some abrasive carries into the heart of the Springboks' defence and was equally physical on defence.
11 Marika Koroibete - 9
Deservedly named player of the match. An outstanding performance capped off with a try. He nailed Mapimpi into touch to deny the Bok flyer and got through a ton of work. He also landed a big hit on Vermeulen.
10 Noah Lolesio - 7
A tidy performance from the youngster as he played more of a supporting role to Nic White. He ran an excellent line to set up McReight's second try and was sound overall.
9 Nic White - 8
Brilliant service from the base of the rucks while he kicked well out of hand. He milked a card for the slap from Faf de Klerk well.
8 Rob Valetini - 6
A quieter performance than he had against Argentina but still a standout in the pack making big ball carriers, hitting hard in defence and being a pest at the breakdown. His game ended early with two late silly penalties that he sent to the sin bin.
7 Fraser McReight - 8
Two tries as he makes the most of his chances in the starting lineup. Superb game all around. He made a crucial steal in the first half, with the Springboks attacking with real intent. He was substituted in the 65th minute after a stellar outing.
6 Jed Holloway - 6
He played his role in nullifying the Springboks' pack—a strong performance without being a standout.
5 Matt Philip - 6.5
He worked well with Arnold to disrupt the Springboks' maul and was busy around the park.
4 Rory Arnold - 7
Disrupted the Springboks' maul well and contested the lineout too. He hit a ton of rucks in what was a solid performance overall.
3 Allan Alaalatoa - 6
Good on defence and strong in the scrum. Stock standard and what his side needed.
2 Folau Fainga'a - 5
He was lucky not to be yellow-carded for some of the penalties he conceded while his lineouts weren't sharp.
1 James Slipper - 8
He threw a brilliant inside ball to Lolesio to set up McReight for his second try, but Slipper was excellent in every facet of the game and got the upper hand over Malherbe in a few scrums. Outstanding performance.
Replacements:
16 David Porecki - 6
He got the job done with accurate set pieces and was busy around the park.
17 Scott Sio - 5
He was put under the pump in the scrums late on.
18 Taniela Tupou - 5
On late on and didn't make too much of a splash.
19 Darcy Swain - 6.5
He did well to keep the Boks' maul at bay and added an abrasive edge late on.
20 Rob Leota - 6
Added the same edge as Swain as Australia looked to close the game.
21 Pete Samu - 6.5
A busy shift from the bench gaining over 20 running metres and nine tackles.
