The Springboks managed to overcome a gutsy Italian side despite an early red card shown to Franco Mostert and some baffling match officiating in Turin on Saturday.
The 14-man Springboks beat a courageous Azzurri outfit 32-14.
However, it was not smooth sailing by any means for Rassie Erasmus and his charges.
Let’s take a look at the Springboks who stood out – and those that were below par.
Free Spins, Flights, and Bets on Betway
SPRINGBOKS WHO FIRED AMIDST THE FOG IN ITALY
Damian Willemse – 8/10
Willemse was cool, calm and collected when it mattered most for the Springboks. The elusive, skilful fullback showed that he is as good under pressure as he is on open play. Willemse saved his team on several occasions with brilliant reads at the back. Furthermore, he was lively and beat defenders at will. He was rightfully named Player of the Match.
Handre Pollard – 7/10
Pollard was superb off the kicking tee and was solid at flyhalf for the Springboks. However, this was not one of the Springbok pivot’s most memorable performances. That being said, it speaks volumes that even when he is not at his best, he was one of the players who stood out for the men in green and gold.
Marco van Staden – 6.5/10
Van Staden won a crucial turnover late in the second half when the Springboks were under the pump. He carried well and was astute defensively. If not for the yellow card, he would have certainly scored higher.
WHO FLOPPED
Boan Venter – 4/10
The front-rower was on the back foot from the start. Venter struggled to maintain the Springboks’ usual scrum dominance. It must be said that this is not just his fault. He was replaced by Gerhard Steenekamp in the 23nd minute as a result.
Zachary Porthen – 3/10
The young prop was exposed at scrum time. He was a large part of the reason for the Springboks failed to grab dominance at scrum time. His nightmare outing lasted less than 20 minutes with coach Rassie Erasmus subbing him off for Wilco Louw half way through the first half.
Jean Kleyn – 5/10
Kleyn lost a lineout and struggled to impose himself on the game. Furthermore, he was regularly hit backwards in contact.
Venter, Porthen and Kleyn in all likelihood won’t feature in the Springboks’ next Test against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday, 22 November.
Kick-off is at 19:40 (SA time).
Who was your Player of the Match for the Springboks against Italy on Saturday?
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