Ita v SA: Springbok player ratings
Saturday, November 21, 2009 (17:20:27)

©TouchlineSARugby.com brings you the player ratings of the Springboks who did duty in the 32-10 win over Italy in Udine on Saturday.



Fullback: Zane Kirchner – (7)

A much more composed performance at the back. Counter attacked well and executed a few pinpoint tactical kicks.

Right wing: JP Pietersen – (5)

Was generally absent and butchered what should have been a regulation kick return from the back. This was the perfect platform for the Bok coach and selectors to blood Cheetahs flyer Lionel Mapoe.

Outside centre: Jaque Fourie – (8)

Fourie was his classy, professional self and was judged Man of the Match. Hardly put a foot wrong on offence and defence and scored a well-deserved try.

Inside centre: Adi Jacobs – (5)

Adi had another sub-par performance at inside centre. Showed his usual tenacity, but was overpowered on defence and failed to threaten the Italian backs. One or two nice offloads but also threw a wayward pass that almost resulted in a try for the hosts.

Left wing: Bryan Habana – (7)

Habana is returning to form, it’s just unfortunate that it’s come a bit late in the season. Troubled the opposition every time he ran with the ball, chased well and scored the opening try.

Flyhalf: Morne Steyn – (6)

Again struggled to dictate the flow of the game that he has become known to do so well. Also uncharacteristically missed a few kicks at goal but should retain the No 10 jersey for the big one against Six Nations Grand Slam champions Ireland next weekend.

Scrumhalf: Fourie du Preez – (8)

The Bok and Bulls general continued his push for the IRB Player of the Year award with another top-notch performance. Was rewarded for his hard work with a good try.

No 8: Ryan Kankowski – (7)

Redeemed himself somewhat for the shocker he had against France last weekend. Showed his fleet footwork in the midfield to set up Habana’s try.

Blindside flank: Danie Rossouw – (8)

Undoubtedly big Danie’s best performance in a Bok jersey this season. The Bulls utility forward made the most of standing in for the injured Schalk Burger and seems to revel in the northern hemisphere conditions. Rossouw also silenced critics suggestion he’s one-dimensional with a slick flick-offload that created Fourie du Preez’s try. Man of the Match candidate.

Openside flank: Heinrich Brussow – (8)

Another stellar job at the breakdown by the future of South African fetchers. Grows in stature every time he pulls the Green and Gold jersey over his head.

Lock: Andries Bekker – (7)

A solid option in the lineouts and the man to replace Matfield in the long-term. Solid outing, but could have competed more on the oppositions’ throw.

Lock: Bakkies Botha – (6)

Bit of a quiet evening based on Bakkies’ high standards. Softened up the Italian fatties in the rucks before he was replaced by good mate Victor Matfield.

Tighthead: John Smit – (7)

The Springbok captain soldiered on for the full 80 minutes despite taking a few hard knocks up front. Looked much more comfortable – and somewhat relieved – when he reverted to hooker.

Hooker: Adriaan Strauss – (6)

The Cheetahs hooker struggled in the scrums and wasn’t as prominent with ball in hand as he was in the midweek games. Found his jumpers well.

Loosehead: Wian du Preez (6)

Not the worst debut by any means but came up short at scrum time. Did his bit around the park thought. A definite prospect for the future.

Replacements:

16. Tendai Mtawarira – (8)

Showed the hunger he lacked against France last weekend with a typical, explosive ‘Beastly’ performance. Should return to the starting line-up for the season finale next weekend.

17. BJ Botha – (8)

Welcome back BJ Botha! Botha ploughed straight through the respected Azzurri front row. The mighty Martin Castrogiovanni and co didn't know what hit them. De Villiers and the selectors need to give the Ulster-based front ranker more game time.

18. Victor Matfield – (7)

Showed his worth with a textbook lineout steal inside the Boks’ half.

19. Jean Deysel – (7)

Deserved debut for the Sharks human wrecking ball. Showed glimpses of what he’s capable of.

20. Francois Hougaard – (Not enough time to be rated)

21. Ruan Pienaar – (6)

Had limited time to stamp his authority on the game, thus tried a bit too hard, which resulted in one or two unforced errors.

22. Wynand Olivier – (8)

Made a hell of an impact! Great all round performance that saw his cross the whitewash and all but forced his way into next weekend’s starting line-up.

SARugby.com Man of the Match: Fourie du Preez


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