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Springboks player ratings vs Italy | Castle Lager Incoming Series 2nd Test
Springboks player ratings: Rassie Erasmus’ team overhaul paid off handsomely, as the world champions completely dominated Italy to leave the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium with a 45-0 win.
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Even when they were down to 13 men, the hosts were relentless, underlining their status as the best team in the world by running in seven unanswered tries. Mannie Libbok, Marco van Staden and Canan Moodie all delivered standout performances.
1. Thomas du Toit – 4
The Bath powerhouse was hooked before the break after a few scrummaging errors picked up by the Bok staff. Tried to redeem himself with ball in hand, but it wasn’t enough to keep him on.
2. Malcolm Marx – 8
If consistency had a face, Malcolm Marx would be a leading candidate. The veteran hooker didn’t put a foot wrong at the set-piece or in support of his side’s ball carriers. Immaculate in guiding the maul.
3. Wilco Louw – 7
Squeezed out two scrum penalties, one of which led to the Boks’ second try. Imposed himself in the tackle, whether as primary or support defender. Yellow carded, but it had no bearing on the scoreboard.
4. Salmaan Moerat – 5
Captaining South Africa for the first time, Moerat had a patchy outing – a few handling errors and little impact at the lineout. Still, his composure helped settle the team after Wiese’s red card.
5. Ruan Nortjé – 6
Steady as a lineout option and involved in a cheeky in-game lineout variation. At times, he looked like a Lood de Jager clone with his tackling and counter-rucking.
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6. Marco van Staden – 8
Quietly exceptional. The blindside flanker was everywhere off the ball – in the breakdown, supporting exits, and dominating in contact. Made two thumping hits that directly led to turnovers.
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit – 7
The 32-year-old enforcer didn’t need to be flashy. Ate up metres in contact and dismantled the Italian maul and lineout.
8. Jasper Wiese – 3
Started with intent, making several powerful carries and tackles, but his day ended early after a red card for headbutting Danilo Fischetti.
9. Grant Williams – 8
One of his finest games in green and gold. Controlled the tempo with sharp service and clever kicks. Scored the opener and helped spark the second try.
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10. Mannie Libbok – 8
Lit up the opening quarter with an array of slick touches. Delivered a sublime wide ball to set up Edwil van der Merwe’s first try and managed the game well, though he missed two shots at goal.
11. Makazole Mapimpi – 8
The evergreen wing was a nightmare for Italy. Snatched a textbook turnover, made a line break, added a try and an assist. At 34, he’s enjoying a golden spell.
12. Andre Esterhuizen – 7
A battering ram in midfield. Gained ground on 11 of his 12 carries and consistently gave the Boks a front-foot platform.
13. Canan Moodie – 9
Outstanding. His defensive intensity helped choke Italy’s attack, particularly after Wiese’s sending off. His footwork for his first try was electric.
14. Edwil van der Merwe – 9
Has a habit for scoring. The Lions wing bagged a brace and carved Italy open with several clean breaks. A constant threat in open play.
15. Willie le Roux – 6
In his 100th Test, the veteran fullback had a low-key but tidy game. Kicked well and linked neatly with Mapimpi and van der Merwe. Subbed off to a standing ovation.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Jan-Hendrik Wessels – 7 – Missed a lineout but didn’t let it shake him. Carried well and scored off a maul.
17. Ox Nché – 7 – Came on before halftime and got stuck in, bossing the scrum and carrying well.
18. Asenathi Ntlabakanye – 5
19. Cobus Wiese – 5
20. Evan Roos – 6
21. Cobus Reinach – 5 – Tried to inject tempo but made some erratic decisions that cost possession.
22. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – 6
23. Ethan Hooker – 5
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