The Back Three [6.5]
15. Willie le Roux [6]
Rugby365: 6/10
Was caught out of position a few times, his kicking also left a lot to be desired and he missed a couple of tackles. However, he made plenty of good metres with ball in hand.
Sport24: 5/10
This was a decided off-day for the mercurial character, although he showed ticker for his perseverance that led to some improvement as the game wore on – including one snaking burst that troubled the Welsh defence. Generally blunder-prone, though, including misjudgement of a high ball that led to try against Boks in first quarter when the No 15 was at his shakiest. Some innocuous kicking.
Daily Mail UK: 7/10
Unimpressive first-half display but settled more into match as it progressed with sharp running.
Telegraph UK: 6/10
Left all at sea both positionally and in the aerial battle by Biggar for Davies’s try. One nice break in the second half but no fireworks.
OuGrote: 5/10
14. JP Pietersen [6.5]
Rugby365: 7/10
His workrate was phenomenal, especially on defence. Was not bad with ball in hand either or chasing kicks, also making all his tackles.
Sport24: 6.5/10
One brilliant aerial win in a fierce one-on-one, and looked fairly dangerous on the relatively few opportunities he had to gallop into space. Some rock-like defence.
Daily Mail UK: 7/10
Sharp and dangerous throughout and unfortunate not to get bounce of ball.
Telegraph UK: 6/10
Barely employed in an attacking capacity, yet that was not his fault given South Africa’s restricted gameplan. Just about kept North under wraps.
OuGrote: 6/10
11. Bryan Habana [7]
Rugby365: 6/10
Won a crucial break-down penalty on his own 22 and was rock solid on defence. Not many chances with ball in hand.
Sport24: 8/10
Still waiting to nudge ahead of Jonah Lomu for most RWC tries, but heck, it wasn’t for any lack of effort! At least two turnovers when Boks under cosh, and always competing, harrying, hustling. Heart-and-soul performance.
Daily Mail UK: 6/10
Didn’t see much of the ball in broken field where most dangerous but always a threat.
Telegraph UK: 7/10
Even when he does not stamp his mark in attack, he still has an influence on the game winning a first-half turnover won turnover.
OuGrote: 7/10
SOURCES:
Daily Mail UK
Telegraph UK
Sport24
Rugby365