The Springboks blew hot and cold en route to securing a 42-28 bonus-point victory over Scotland at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday evening.
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The Springboks were handed a thorough test from a game Scottish outfit that came to Pretoria to play.
The sides went into the half-time break locked at 14-14 and Scotland had South Africa under the pump for large portions of the early stages of the second half.
However, Rassie Erasmus’ men held their nerve and thanks to a few brilliant individual performances were able to get over the line – seemingly comfortably in the end.
However, the Springboks missed countless tackles and a handful of players were underwhelming.
Let’s take a look at which Springboks fired and which flopped against Scotland.
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SPRINGBOKS WHO FIRED AGAINST SCOTLAND
Handré Pollard – 8/10
Pollard delivered a composed, influential performance to earn the Player of the Match award in the Round 2 Nations Championship clash.
Pollard looked at home at Loftus Versfeld, converting all five of his conversions attempts while controlling the game with calm decision-making.
He was reliable under the high ball and brought much-needed composure whenever Scotland threatened to shift the momentum.
Damian Willemse – 8/10
Willemse impressed both at inside centre and fullback after switching positions during the second half.
The Stormers utility back repeatedly beat defenders and injected pace into the Springboks’ attack.
He capped another impressive display with a crucial second half try that extended South Africa’s lead to 28-14.
Moreover, he remained dependable under the high ball, defended well and carried with confidence throughout the contest.
Pieter-Steph du Toit – 7.5/10
The Springbok captain led by example with another industrious display.
Du Toit worked tirelessly around the field, made several important tackles and carried strongly in heavy traffic.
He also played a key role at the lineout and continued to lead the side with authority in Siya Kolisi’s absence.
Embrose Papier – 8/10
Papier marked his return to Test rugby with an outstanding all-round performance.
Making his first Springbok appearance in eight years, the Bulls scrumhalf controlled the tempo well and produced accurate box-kicks throughout the opening stages.
He also delivered quick service from the base before scoring a superb solo try that highlighted the pace and attacking instinct that earned him another opportunity in the national side.
WHO ‘FLOPPED’ AGAINST SCOTLAND
Edwill van der Merwe – 5.5/10
Van der Merwe endured a quiet evening on the wing.
The speedster received limited attacking opportunities as he was starved of possession despite looking for work across the field. As a result, he had little chance to showcase his pace or finishing ability.
Aphelele Fassi – 6/10
Fassi produced a steady rather than spectacular performance.
The fullback made one costly mistake when he kicked directly into touch during the first half.
However, he remained composed under the high ball and managed the backfield well without producing the attacking moments he is capable of.
VERDICT
The Springboks secured an important bonus-point victory, but the performance exposed areas that will require improvement before next week’s clash against Wales.
Several players strengthened their claims for selection. At the same time, others may come under pressure as Rassie Erasmus considers the core of his squad for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ in a few months against New Zealand and heading into their 2027 Rugby World Cup campaign.
Who was your Springbok Man of the Match against Scotland?
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