Player Performances:

Rob Kempson:     Rob played another strong game and his own brand of imitation ensure that opposition players keep their cool, Joe Roff tried a bit of elbow shuffle on the big man's cheek but he laughed it off. His discipline has been impeccable and his input in the front row has improved the Springbok team immensely.

Lukas van Biljon:     The man played in only his third test but again provided the fire and spark to the tight five, his charging runs have become trademark and he can look no further than Keith Wood to style his play on. He is a strong scrum worker and apart from one or two mistimed throws, this department of his game is impressive. He is definitely an asset to the team.

Cobus Visagie:     The strong one had his best game so far this year and he looked like a young schoolboy with an abundance of energy, hard to believe he also puts hard work into every scrum with the way he cajoled in the loose. Potentially the most important player in the team.

Jan Ackerman:     The big man silenced a few critics including this one with his fine all-round performance, his strength in the scrums is obvious while he did not shy away from his lineout ball when pressed upon. The most impressive aspect was his workrate around the field, handling the ball with aplomb and making some big hits.

Mark Andrews:     South Africa's joint most capped player was once again solid and although not as commanding as in the Super 12 his general play and presence make a huge difference and he can always be relied upon for the pressure situation, seems to have an injury because he is under utilised in the lineouts.

Andre Vos:     Avos played his heart out, the man made huge hit after hit and his presence at the breakdown was felt considering he played against the so-called best openside in the game. This man will never give anything less than 110% and must be inspiring to other players who has not been treated half as bad as this man. Avos deserve his position at this moment and Corne Krige will have his work cut out to displace him.

Andre Venter:     Another physical game by the iron man, he probably played his best match of the season and the clever way of running straight a George Smith neutralized the man's effectiveness on the loose ball. Andre was involved in most moves and with Bob Skinstad around he is a must for the loose trio combo. At lock he was just as impressive and the Mallett method worked well again.

Bob Skinstad:     Whoaa, Bob is back, yes, he did drop a ball but that paled in significance with his general play on the day. The man did everything required of him and more, he scored the vital try that secured the match. More of the same Captain Bob!

Joost:     Once again a better match but there are too many plays where he is not the distributor of the ball, this slows down important second phase possession and devoid the Springboks of a decision maker handling the ball. He looked sharp on the break with some good acceleration and his defence is phenomenal. A better box kick will only add to his repertoire but then as a left footed kicker it will always be very difficult.

Butch James:     The young pivot lacks presence, he does not take enough responsibility to dictate the play, he must forget that he is young and inexperienced and acquire an arrogance on the field that he is in charge. Once he uses his full array of attacking, defensive and distribution skills, other teams will always have to find a counter for his mind, same as with Larkham. At the moment he is predictable and his options smack of instruction rather than the type of carte blanche that flyhalves need.

Dean Hall:     Dean is becoming a good international player, he works hard off the ball, defends very well but the most important skill is lacking, the ability to beat one or two defenders or to keep opposition players guessing. Make no mistake; he will never let the team down and ads value however creativity is needed to take the step up from good to great.

Robbie Fleck:     Robbie Fleck had another one of his in-your-face matches, always dangerous with the ball in hand he was as good on defence and his general play was outstanding, he did not get enough opportunities to break the line this time but he is the kind of player that will come good next time as the opposition will relax a little bit. His altercation with Giffin of course created the gap for Skinstad's try, so maybe Fleckie can "claim" a bit part in the try!

Braam van Straaten:     Chosen for his defence and kicking he accomplished both with flying colours. The man arguably won the test with his accurate kicking and his persistent marking of Joe Roff ensured that the Springbok line remained unscathed in the Tri Nations. He is a must for his boot but needs to establish a better rapport with Butch James, it will come with game time together.

Breyten Paulse:     The most dangerous runner in open play, he always keeps the opposition guessing and his brilliant run early in the match set a certain standard for what was to follow, he needs the ball more often because this man can create a try from absolutely nothin. His support of the fullback is first class and general play was excellent, his defence is solid and in the last two tests impressed with his commitment.

Conrad Jantjes:     Holy moly, what a big game for the youngster, one mistake almost cost a try but he did not let the charge down affect him in any way. His general play was exemplary and his punting of the ball was excellent, reminiscent of a James Small in his running and kicking style, this man is going to play many tests for SA. Admittedly he was not put under real pressure but somehow I doubt if high hanging kicks would have fazed a man with his sporting ability. 

Johann van Niekerk:     The young loose forward is getting ten minutes a test and the learning curve will be enormous, once again it is difficult to judge on such a short period on the field but he is not disgracing himself.

John Smit:     The man has a few question marks hanging over his throwing into the lineouts, he once again did not provide a massive impact after van Biljon's departure but it is difficult to impress in ten minutes especially where Lukas left off!

Ollie le Roux:     As usual he substituted Rob Kempson and this system works well for the Springboks, he needs to produce a few of his trademark barnstorming runs though.

Corne Krige:    The Province captain made a few errors in his time on the field and he needs to work on his penalty counts but he does do valuable, uncompromising graft like a true fetcher, needs more match practice.

Moment of the match:     Bob Skinstad's try and Jantjes little chip kick and collect.