The Springboks secured a hard-fought 42-24 victory over Italy at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday night.
The Springboks outscored the Azzurri six tries to three to clinch an 18-point win. But in reality, the scoreline is more flattering to what actually transpired in this Test match.
The team left a several points out on the field, the attack wasn’t as free-flowing and accurate as one would expect it to be, the defence wasn’t as sharp, and the Springboks’ ruck speed was not up to scratch.
Be that as it may, several players performed admirably even if the team as a collective didn’t fire on all cylinders.
THE BEST SPRINGBOKS ON DISPLAY TODAY
Below, we pick the players who inspired the South African team to triumph, with Morne van den Berg and Vincent Tshituka leading the way.
Morne van den Berg – 8/10
He made a strong case to be considered as South Africa’s back-up scrumhalf behind the incumbent Faf de Klerk. His performance should sound warning bells for the likes of Cobus Reinach, Jaden Hendrikse and Grant Williams.
Van den Berg marshalled the game well and his quick and crisp delivery helped South Africa to set the pace of the game. The Lions man capped off his performance with two tries and was named Man of the Match.
Kurt-Lee Arendse – 8/10
It seems like Arendse does something extraordinary every week. And in this week’s edition of ‘KLA’ classics, the speedster went on a searing run to score a brilliant solo try.
On the other end of the ball, Arendse then showed off his defensive prowess when he made an unreal try-saving tackle in the in-goal area. Like Kolbe, he is just a freakishly good all-round player.
Vincent Tshituka – 8/10
Like he did last week in his first Bok debut, Tshituka marked his Test debuted with another impressive display.
The dynamic flank was industrious as ever, with the former sevens star continuing to cement his place as a solid option at No 7.
His energy and work rate was plain to see throughout this Test, while he was a real nuisance at the breakdown.
Handre Pollard – 8/10
Pollard reminded us all why he is the first-choice flyhalf in the Springbok set-up and one of the leading No 10s in world rugby.
In a near-flawless display, Pollard worked well in tandem with Van den Berg in open play. And he produced a perfect kicking display with six from six conversions off the tee.
WHO DO YOU THINK WAS THE BEST SPRINGBOK ON THE FIELD TODAY?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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