Argentina v South Africa | Springbok ratings

The Springboks’ unbeaten run in the Rugby Championship has ended after a 28-29 defeat to Argentina in their Round Five clash in Santiago del Estero.

Argentina led at half time 26-22 and got the win at the end, 29-28. A famous win for them, but how did the Springbok players perform?

Lets have a look

15 – Aphelele Fassi 7/10

Scored the first try and was solid under the high ball. His left boots gace the Springboks another option but one or 2 contestable kicks of him were too far. Made the most meters in the game-98.
14 – Kurt-Lee Arendse 6/10

Made a few wrong calls on defence. Yellow card in the 17th minute for a shoulder against head tackle cost the Springboks.
13 – Jesse Kriel 6/10

Good short line to score the second try in the game. Got caught a few times on the outside
12 – Lukhanyo Am 7/10

He and Kriel got caught out a few times on defence with Argentina playing out the back. On attack he made 1 clean break, one offload and beat 1 defender.
11 – Makazole Mapimpi 7/10

The veteran winger was caught out a few times on defence. Missed a simple chip kick in the 60th minute. Returned the kicks with strong carries.

10 – Handre Pollard 8/10

Good flat pass to Fassi for his first try. Good distance on touch kicks and 100% off the tee.
9 – Cobus Reinach 8/10

One or two wrong disisions on attack. Scored the 3rd try from a quick tap. Great clearance kick in the 47th min when SA was under huge pressure. Made 51 passes

8 – Jasper Wiese 7/10

Won an important lineout for the Springboks just before half time and was one of the stronger runners in the Springbok pack. Made 10 tackles
7 – Ben-Jason Dixon 7/10

Great support play on attack. Brough the physicallity for the 50 min he played. Threw two great offloads
6 – Marco van Staden 7/10

Try saving tackle from Van Staden in the 17th minute. Was subbed off in the 50th minute but had a very busy game.
5 – Ruan Nortje 

Good takes on receiving kickoffs. Big work rate from the lock as he made 7 tackles and won 1 turnover
4 – Salmaan Moerat 8/10

A few big tackles in the first half from the SA captain kept them in the game. Strong carries off the scrumhalf. Can be proud of his 50mins
3 – Thomas du Toit  7/10

Solid in the scrum and great support play on attack.
2 – Malcolm Marx 8/10

Accurate throwing in the lineouts. A few good carries that helped the Springboks get momentum
1 – Ox Nche 8/10

The big man ran great lines off the number 9. Played for 64min. Won a number of penalties in the scrums. Beat 4 defenders

Substitutes

16 – Jan-Hendrik Wessels 

Came on in the 70th minute. Not enough to make an impact
17 – Gerhard Steenekamp 6/10

Caught for not rolling in the 69th min to give Argentina a penalty.
18 – Vincent Koch 7/10

Strong in the scrums. 63rd minute with a big scrum to get the penalty. Great support play
19 – Eben Etzebeth 7/10

Came on to the field in the 49th min to equal Victor Matfield record amount of caps for the Springboks. Crucial steal at the lineout in the 75min but was not enough to get the Boks over the lline
20 – Elrigh Louw 7/10

Brought the physicallity for the Springboks when he came on. Good support play
21 – Kwagga Smith 7/10

Came on early in the second half and on attack stayed wide. He slowed down their ball but it was not enough. He amde 6 carries and only 1 tackle

22 – Jaden Hendrikse 6/10

Accurate passes off the base and made good decisions on attack. Bad miss tackle in the 67min led to Argentina enter the Springbok 22. Also a few crucial box kicks did not go the distance.
23 – Manie Libbok 6/10

Good contesting kicks and first penalty to settle the nerves. Bad miss to touch in the 64th minute. He came into the game with better contestable kicks that helped South Africa come into the game but missed a match winning penalty kick in the 79min