After a disappointing loss to New Zealand last week, the Springboks returned to Wellington with fire in their bellies.
Under Rassie Erasmus, South Africa produced a dominant 43-10 victory, scoring six tries and sending a clear message to the rest of the Rugby Championship: the Boks are back, and they mean business.
This emphatic win, achieved with a significantly reshuffled lineup, not only keeps South Africa in the running for one of the most competitive Rugby Championships in years but also nudges them back to the top of the World Rugby rankings.
Springboks Player Ratings Against New Zealand
15. Aphelele Fassi – 7
Stepping in for Willie le Roux, Fassi impressed with his security under the high ball despite relentless All Blacks kicks.
Unfortunately, an ankle injury just before half-time forced him off, triggering a backline reshuffle with Damian Willemse moving to fullback and Andre Esterhuizen slotting in at centre.
14. Cheslin Kolbe – 9
Kolbe bounced back from an early penalty to score a game-changing intercept try, followed by a second try using his trademark step.
His aerial dominance was notable, though his afternoon ended prematurely after a no-arms tackle from Tupou Vaa’i.
13. Canan Moodie – 8
A consistent performer, Moodie was faultless even while playing in a new position. His composure and execution continue to impress.
12. Damian Willemse – 8
Willemse excelled both at inside centre and when shifted to fullback. His versatility remains a key asset for the Springboks.
11. Ethan Hooker – 8
Making his first Test start, Hooker shone defensively and contested high balls with authority—a promising debut that suggested a bright future.
10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – 7
Confidently directing play, Feinberg-Mngomezulu had to leave early due to a failed Head Injury Assessment. A brief but promising outing.
9. Cobus Reinach – 4
Reinach struggled to find rhythm, with critical knock-ons hampering the team. A tough day for the scrum-half.
8. Jasper Wiese – 8
After a slow start, Wiese asserted his presence with powerful carries and dominant tackles—a physical and impactful return.
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit – 8
Effective and strategic, du Toit made smart decisions in wide channels and assisted a key try. A strong response following a quieter performance last week.
6. Siya Kolisi (captain) – 8
Kolisi led with calm aggression, demonstrating composure and determination in both attack and defence—a captain’s performance through and through.
5. Ruan Nortje – 7
Nortje produced a pivotal turnover leading to a try in the final quarter. While lineout calls weren’t perfect, he delivered a solid performance.
4. Lood de Jager – N/A
Injured and substituted within the first 10 minutes. No rating.
3. Thomas du Toit – 7
Reliable and strong in his core role, du Toit anchored the scrum, laying a foundation for the Boks’ dominance up front.
2. Malcolm Marx – 7
An improved performance compared to last week, solid in all phases of play.
1. Ox Nche – 7
Provided his usual scrum power and breakdown work, quietly influencing the game.
Replacements Shine from the Bench
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16. Marnus van der Merwe – 7: Strong in tackles and set-piece, adding muscle in open play.
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17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels – 7: Aggressive carrying and effective scrummaging, energizing the forwards.
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18. Wilco Louw – 8: Dominated first scrum and contested breakdowns effectively—a real force.
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19. RG Snyman – 7: Threatened with offloads, scored a try, and energized the pack.
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20. Kwagga Smith – 7: Scored one of the six tries, bringing explosiveness when needed.
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21. Grant Williams – 7: Played out of position on the wing, showing pace and vision.
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22. Manie Libbok – 8: Delivered six of seven kicks and a perfect cross-kick assist in challenging circumstances.
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23. Andre Esterhuizen – 8: Lived up to his “hybrid” reputation, fluid on attack and physical on defence.
What Made the Difference
A combination of tactical precision, physical dominance, and individual brilliance propelled the Springboks to their statement win.
From Kolbe’s tries to Kolisi’s leadership and the forwards’ power, South Africa delivered a performance that reminded the rugby world why they remain at the pinnacle of the sport.