After a frustrating outing against Italy last week, the Springboks delivered a crushing response this week \u2014 and then some. I asked for a winning margin of 30 points\u2026 they gave me 45. Even more impressive, they kept the Azzurri scoreless. That’s no small feat \u2014 especially considering they played most of the game with 14 men after Jasper Wiese\u2019s foolish red card for a needless headbutt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Still, the men in green and gold flexed their depth, their grit, and their class. Here\u2019s how the players rated:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
15. Willie le Roux \u2013 6.5\/10<\/strong> 14. Edwill van der Merwe \u2013 9\/10<\/strong> 13. Canan Moodie \u2013 7.5\/10<\/strong> 12. Andr\u00e9 Esterhuizen \u2013 8\/10<\/strong> 11. Makazole Mapimpi \u2013 7\/10<\/strong> 10. Manie Libbok \u2013 6.5\/10<\/strong> 9. Grant Williams \u2013 7.5\/10<\/strong> 8. Jasper Wiese \u2013 3\/10<\/strong> 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit \u2013 8\/10<\/strong> 6. Marco van Staden \u2013 8\/10<\/strong> 5. Ruan Nortje \u2013 8\/10<\/strong> 4. Salmaan Moerat (c) \u2013 4\/10<\/strong> 3. Wilco Louw \u2013 7.5\/10<\/strong> 2. Malcolm Marx \u2013 8\/10<\/strong> 1. Thomas du Toit \u2013 6\/10<\/strong> 16. Jan-Hendrik Wessels \u2013 6.5\/10<\/strong> 17. Ox Nch\u00e9 \u2013 8\/10<\/strong> 18. Asenathi Ntlabakanye \u2013 N\/A<\/strong> 19. Cobus Wiese \u2013 6.5\/10<\/strong> 20. Evan Roos \u2013 5\/10<\/strong> 21. Cobus Reinach \u2013 6\/10<\/strong> 22. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu \u2013 6.5\/10<\/strong> 23. Ethan Hooker \u2013 6.5\/10<\/strong> Rassie got the reaction he was after. The team looked sharper, more cohesive, and far more clinical, especially with their defensive systems. Italy wasn\u2019t allowed to breathe. However, discipline remains a concern. Wiese\u2019s red and Louw\u2019s yellow could\u2019ve cost us dearly in a tighter test. That said, the player rotation is working, and some fringe players made massive statements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Up next: Georgia. Expect another rotation as the Boks fine-tune their combinations before the real fireworks of the Rugby Championship begin. Will Rassie continue experimenting, or will he settle on his core squad?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10 \u2013 World-Class:<\/strong> A flawless, unforgettable performance. Dominated every aspect of the game.
On his landmark 100th test, the veteran was steady and composed. Orchestrated the backline well, though he didn\u2019t set the match alight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A sensational performance. Electric with ball in hand, relentless on the chase, and full of fire. Fully deserved the Man of the Match award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always a danger in space. Scored a slick try, defended smartly, and looked like a natural fit in the midfield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Physical, direct, and dependable. Added extra value by packing down at flank after the red card \u2014 a true hybrid asset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sharp as ever. Grabbed a well-taken try and stayed busy roaming off his wing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Better control and solid goal-kicking, but let down by poor touch-finder and off-target kicks and a couple of defensive lapses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Injected pace and unpredictability. A real livewire around the fringes, keeping Italy guessing all night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Started well but undid it all with an inexcusable red card. Headbutts have no place in the modern game. Must reflect and grow \u2014 fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The engine room. Physical, tireless, and dependable at the breakdown. Classic PSDT performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another textbook outing from the fetcher. Disrupted breakdowns, tackled everything, and never stopped working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outstanding in the lineouts and industrious in open play. A mature, commanding shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Struggled to impose himself. Gave away penalties and lost key lineouts. Needs to lift his game in leadership and execution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Strong scrummaging and a rock in contact. Would\u2019ve scored higher if not for the yellow card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A breakdown machine. Dominated the contact zone and threw darts at the lineout. Mr Reliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Solid while he was on, but replaced early after just 25 minutes. Did the basics well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTHE BENCH<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Effective impact. No major errors and brought good energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crushed the Italian scrum. Arguably the best loosehead on the night. Powerful and confrontational.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Didn\u2019t get enough time to make a mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Made some strong carries and big hits. A solid debut, though discipline needs work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A quiet performance. Failed to assert himself and looked a bit off the pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mixed bag. Some clever play, but his kicking decisions were questionable at times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Limited chances but showed flair and confidence with the ball in hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Composed on debut. Didn\u2019t shy away from contact and looked eager to impress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nCOACH\u2019S CORNER<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWHAT\u2019S NEXT?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What the ratings mean<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9 \u2013 Outstanding:<\/strong> Nearly perfect. Played a crucial role and made a big impact.
8 \u2013 Excellent:<\/strong> A top-tier display with strong contributions throughout.
7 \u2013 Very Good:<\/strong> Reliable and effective. Did the basics well with a few standout moments.
6 \u2013 Solid:<\/strong> Decent shift. No fireworks, but they held their own.
5 \u2013 Below Average:<\/strong> Mixed performance. Some good, some shaky.
4 \u2013 Disappointing:<\/strong> Struggled to influence the game. Too many errors or missed opportunities.
3 \u2013 Poor:<\/strong> Lacked composure and execution. Clearly off their game.
2 \u2013 Very Poor:<\/strong> Frequently exposed. A performance to forget.
1 \u2013 Nightmare:<\/strong> Completely out of sorts. Arguably cost the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n