Effervescent Faf, but Springbok teammates have to improve

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The only person who stood between Ireland’s Keith Earls and rugby history for Ireland was a 1.73m-high package of dynamite called Faf de Klerk. He’s been the standout Springbok player for the three Test series against Ireland, and had it not been for his ball-and-all tackle on Earls after the hooter had sounded as the big winger was heading for the line with a man on his outside, Ireland would have scored and claimed a famous victory. But de Klerk was equal to the challenge, smothered his opponent and the Boks were able to win a penalty from the resulting ruck to kick to safety. Earlier in the game De Klerk gave his best impersonation of Michael Jordan to intercept the ball and deny the Irish a try-scoring opportunity. Apart from one mistimed kick which caught his forwards offside, he was impeccable. So who chooses the man-of-the-match, because he was missing a good game? JP Pietersen may have scored the Boks’ sole try, but it was Elton Jantjies’ superb cross-kick that set it up. All JP had to do was catch, run and score. But JP got the honour over Faf. It doesn’t really matter – players don’t hold man-of-the-match awards in terribly high regard. Rob Houwing rates the Bok performances, and it’s clear there’s a lot of work to be done – apart from Faf, who has surely ensured Ruan Pienaar will have to fight for the Bok number 9 jersey from now on. – David O’Sullivan

By Rob Houwing

Cape Town – Three Test matches, twice top of the pops in that time on the Sport24 performance card … you have to say that Faf de Klerk has made a forceful start to his international career.

The 24-year-old provided one of the limited reasons for Springbok supporters to smile, in terms of longer-term possibilities, as Allister Coetzee’s charges ground out a 19-13 final-Test victory over Ireland in Port Elizabeth to complete a just as grimly-fought 2-1 series triumph on Saturday.

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Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk. Pic: Twitter @PlanetRugby

If anything, the Boks ticked more boxes in the pack at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium than they did behind the scrum, where inspiration among the outside backs remains in disconcertingly short supply.

Here’s how I rated the Boks out of 10 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium:

Willie le Roux: 4.5

That acclaimed X-factor still absent; little evidence to suggest he is bolted down at No 15 for Springboks. Reckless aerial challenge saw him binned, and understaffed Boks conceded converted try in that period.

Ruan Combrinck: 6.5

Tenacious Irish defending, following his field day in Jo’burg, meant the Lions flier had fewer chances to crack on the pace. But showed off the rounded qualities to his general game, including massive penalty goal and some decent line kicks.

Lionel Mapoe: 5

So-so match, so-so series. Here he again failed to put a proper stamp on proceedings either in attack or on defence, and his handling could have been better. Will hopefully have learnt plenty … and probably yearns for better opportunities with ball in hand in future Tests; the pill isn’t getting crisply to No 13 often.

Damian de Allende: 5.5

Solid leg drive … but not a whole lot else. Appears to have mysteriously frozen as an off-loader, and lapses in defensive concentration don’t help. Fitness levels steadily improving, so may be better in a few weeks’ time.

JP Pietersen: 6.5

A personal view was that man-of-the-match award was stretching things a tad; he’s had many better games in his long career. But livelier and more assertive, and certainly rounded off clinically for his try.

Elton Jantjies: 6

No significant progress on Ellis Park … which still meant he was decent enough despite certain flaws. Kicking out of hand was notably poor at times, meaning pressure was too quickly returned, and was a bit of a turnstile for Luke Marshall’s try. Still, his shrewd cross-kick to tee up Pietersen’s try demonstrated his game-breaking abilities.

Faf de Klerk: 8

This Test (and thus the entire series) hung in the balance until after the siren sounded. The Boks had to dig deep … and none did this better than the gutsy, durable little No 9, with a daring spot tackle to quite possibly prevent a decisive Irish try. He had also made a superb aerial poach earlier when the tourists threatened greatly, too. Snappy service; broadly effervescent.

Warren Whiteley: 7

Although seemingly impeded by ongoing shoulder woes, the Lions dynamo bit the bullet for a tireless display. Tackled spiritedly, strong on long lineout throw and made a few smart, mini-busts with ball in hand that so nearly saw him bolt clear, but for alert Irish defence.

Siya Kolisi: 6.5

Far from a future shoe-in at blindside flank, I still suspect, but give him credit: saved best for last in the series. Mended earlier habit of being dispossessed in contact, and made some very firm tackles.

Francois Louw: 6.5

Stepped up as a senior figure on crunch occasion despite obvious tiredness from UK season. Like Kolisi, probably his best Test of the three. Lots of honest work that might have escaped those who prefer to see the flashy stuff.

Pieter-Steph du Toit: 7

Always seemed at the fulcrum of things, especially when the Boks needed muscle and determination while under assault. Already very close to a must-pick, and a beacon of SA hope for Rugby Championship.

Eben Etzebeth: 6.5

Not the kind of game where his athletic qualities were going to come to the fore too often, but robust as usual in the boiler room. Safe as houses on Bok lineout throw, even if customary poach or two didn’t happen here.

Frans Malherbe: 6

Still couldn’t quite shed series-long penchant for being a penalty liability; an ongoing concern. But some big scrum heaves, and every now and then a crunching, momentum-stopping tackle.

Adriaan Strauss: 6

Much less sloppy and more focussed than in first two Tests, including flawless lineout throwing-in. But has he done enough to retain first-choice hooker status and leadership? Jury out.

Tendai Mtawarira: 6.5

Did move a notch or two above too-frequent mediocrity here. Some zesty ball-carries, and gave the Irish scrum frequent bother as well.

Standout substitute:

Steven Kitshoff: 7.5

A welcome debut even if only for 24 minutes … yet we so quickly saw Test class from him. Bent poor Tadhg Furlong over backwards at his dream first scrum, made drives and tackles — one a real ton-of-bricks effort. – Sport 24

Source: http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Springboks/bok-card-fearless-faf-top-again-20160626

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