Springboks player ratings: It was largely one-way traffic in Cape Town as the Springboks steamrolled the Barbarians in a commanding 54-7 display that weirdly exactly replicated the scoreline of the British & Irish Lions win over the Western Force several hours earlier in Perth.
Here’s how we rated the Springboks:
1. Ox Nche – 7
Featured heavily in the first-half scrum dominance before being replaced at the break. Made his intentions clear by winning an early penalty and worked hard in the loose.
2. Malcolm Marx – 7.5
Opened the scoring with a trademark maul try and delivered his usual ferocity at the contact zone. Good work rate and physicality. Made way shortly after half-time with the job done.
3. Asenathi Ntlabakanye – 6.5
A steady 44-minute shift from the slimmed-down 140kg tighthead. Carried hard early but had some wobbles at scrum time against Cian Healy. Valuable experience gained.
4. Jean Kleyn – 6.5
Went about his work quietly, contributing in the lineout and maul, though he was shaded by Lood. Subbed at half-time.
5. Lood de Jager – 8
Commanded the lineout, disrupted the Barbarians’ throw, carried aggressively, and was a key organiser. A welcome sight back in green and gold.
6. Marco van Staden – 7
Turned over possession in key areas and disrupted well at the breakdown. The Bull was busy before being subbed just after the break.
7. Vincent Tshituka – 8.5
Bagged a brace, showing great awareness to score in the 23rd and again in the 69th. Tireless in defence and support. A powerful performance that screamed Bok pedigree.
8. Jean-Luc du Preez – 6.5
Carried with menace early but was withdrawn after 38 minutes for an HIA following friendly fire. Showed good intent but denied a full outing.
9. Morne van den Berg – 6
Energetic but had a mixed bag. Covered well defensively but his kicking game let him down and he conceded two penalties.
10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – 7
Some flashy moments on the front foot and nailed two conversions, but also knocked on in a promising moment and kicked directly to touch on one occasion. Promising start with a few blemishes.
11. Kurt-Lee Arendse – 8
Dangerous all game, beating defenders for fun and grabbing a deserved try on 57 minutes. Also popped up in midfield and even stole a turnover.
12. Damian de Allende – 7.5
A defensive rock as usual, with some big midfield hits. Kicked smartly to set up Arendse and scored the final try of the match in the 82nd minute.
13. Jesse Kriel – 8
Strong first go as Bok captain. Started quietly but took control in the second half with a sharp break and excellent defensive organisation. Well-received by fans and pundits alike.
14. Cheslin Kolbe – 8
Showed great finishing instinct to latch onto Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s grubber for an early try. Closely marked but still found ways to make things happen.
15. Aphelele Fassi – 8
Assured performance from a player that’s fast becoming a real weapon for the Boks. Produced three try assists, not least a fantastic grubber for Kolbe. Looked confident under pressure too.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Marnus van der Merwe – 7
Energetic contribution after replacing Marx. Solid at set-piece and made his presence felt in close quarters.
17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels – 6.5
Scored a powerful try early in the second half but struggled a little at scrum time. Mixed bag, but growing in stature.
18. Neethling Fouche – 6.5
Provided solid defence and a couple of hard carries. Like Wessels, had a tougher time at the set-piece.
19. Franco Mostert – 7
Brought typical high-energy output. Tidy in defence and added urgency around the ruck in the second half.
20. Kwagga Smith – 7
The ultimate impact player. Replaced du Preez after his HIA and delivered all-action energy in both defence and attack.
21. Cobus Reinach – 8
Injected tempo and sharpness. Service was noticeably faster and his attacking mindset gave the Boks a second-half spark.
22. Manie Libbok – 6.5
Had freedom to play but it didn’t all come off. A few slick moments but also forced things at times.
23. Andre Esterhuizen – 7
Brought physicality off the bench and even popped up at flank. Solid across multiple roles — a versatile asset.
