South Africa defeated England in the World Cup semi final in Paris last night in a match that will down in history for its intensity not its quality.
How the Springbok players fared:
15 - Damian Willemse - 3
Poor game, couldn’t catch a cold. Struggled to make his elusiveness count in a game where small line breaks could have made a big difference.
14 - Kurt-Lee Arendse - 5
Normally a proper danger man but this time underused, especially when running into heavy traffic or chasing kicks.
13 - Jesse Kriel - 6.5
Did a job, nothing more.
12 - Damian de Allende - 5
Dominated by his opposite number Tuilagi. Completely out of the game. Would expect more from this player.
11 - Cheslin Kolbe - 5
Same as Arendse, not a game for wingers.
10 - Manie Libbok - 3
Hooked off early and had no control over the game. Will be interesting to see whether he keeps his shirt for the final.
9 - Cobus Reinach - 4
Not yet secured the number nine shirt and will have done himself no favours heading into the final.
1 - Steven Kitshoff - 5
Beaten up on the scrum, not often that happens.
2 - Bongi Mbonambi - 5
Line outs all over the place, will need to work on that heading into the final.
3 - Frans Malherbe - 5
Nothing wrong, just nothing right either. Quiet showing.
4 - Eben Etzebeth - 2
Normally so good, fell apart in this match and subbed soon into second half.
5 - Franco Mostert - 5
Tried to make up for his lock partners poor showing, but still struggled against the fired up English pairing.
6 - Siya Kolisi - 6
Solid enough showing, but will need to step up if he is to lead his team to victory over the All Blacks.
7 - Pieter-Steph du Doit - 5
Did his best to make a nuisance of himself facing the England attack, but came away short and ineffective.
8 - Duane Vermeulen - 7
Solid performance, did everything asked of him.
Replacements - 9/10
The bomb squad lived up to their name as they forced mistake after mistake from the English, with returning star Handre Pollard completed the process by breaking English hearts.
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