For a record-tying fourth time, South Africa is the world champion. It lacked beauty. For extended periods of the game, it appeared as though they had wasted a fantastic chance. But after defeating the All Blacks 12–11, they emerged as deserving recipients of the highest honor.
This is the players’ rating:
15 – Damian Willemse – 8
He led the game in metres made with the ball in hand and was often safe in the back field. Unless he attempted a feeble drop-goal that dribbled beneath the poles, he kicked well. As usual, excellent footwork, and occasionally helped step up at second receiver. replaced Wille le Roux after the sixty-minute mark.
produced a tackle that saved a try in the corner after he brought down a charging Ardie Savea. missed an opportunity to score a try himself, but lightning heals and cunning work were the only things that brought him into that situation. An incredible discovery for Springboks rugby and a deserving champion.
13 – Jesse Kriel – 7.5
once more burst through the line to take the lead in the rush defense as the lead gunner. What’s so admirable is his knowledge of his position.
12 – Damian de Allende – 7
Tidy distribution and busting carries. This wasn’t a blockbuster show but it ticked enough boxes.
11 – Cheslin Kolbe – 8
Whenever he touched the ball, he was a danger and linked up well while joining the line at second receiver. Like a terrier off a lead at the park, I chased high kicks. And once he was in the air, he made life difficult for much bigger guys.
10 – Handre Pollard – 8.5
A strong showing. dependable both in the tackle and when he carried it to the line by himself. Cool as a cucumber when he slots his shots in goal. distributed the ball well and made some nimble passes, but when it counted most, it was his control that showed.
9 – Faf de Klerk – 9
dominated the game’s tempo for the duration of the first half. struggled a little in the second when the speed changed and New Zealand started to take the lead, but he remained composed even when things became chaotic. Earns extra credit for unfolding a vintage dive pass.
Match Summary
1 – Steven Kitshoff – 8
played his bit on the periphery, resulting in a brilliant steal that allowed Pollard to attempt a goal and clearing the ball with a couple of powerful blows to the ruck. 52 minutes later, Ox Nche took his position.
2 – Bongi Mbonambi – N/A
left the field after taking a hard hit from Shannon Frizell after the flanker from New Zealand entered from the side of a ruck and crumpled his knee. It was difficult to feel sorry for him after the week he had. replaced by Deon Fourie after just four minutes.
3 – Frans Malherbe – 7
A few robust carries and tough scrum players. As he has done the entire tournament, he held his own under pressure during the set-piece. replaced Trevor Nyakane after sixty-six minutes.
4 – Eben Etzebeth – 8
Large carries in confined places and a continual annoyance at the line-out for New Zealand. a crucial presence in close quarters who prevented a try just before New Zealand crossed the corner by managing to knock the ball out of Ardie Savea’s hand. He was never going to last with seven strikers on the bench, and on minute 58, Jean Kleyn came on to replace him.
5 – Franco Mostert – 7
made every tackle without missing a single one once more. a flawless 16 out of 16 record. gave South Africa’s engine more oomph. 52 minutes in, ran out of petrol and was replaced by RG Snyman.
6 – Siya Kolisi – 6
played a key role in directing the defense’s energy as the action opened up and made contributions to the attack’s larger channels. He is docked points for failing to pass after a nice bounce of the ball offered space down the right and for receiving a yellow card for a high shot. If he had taken that action, South Africa would have undoubtedly scored and probably ended the match early in the second half.
7 – Pieter-Steph du Toit – 10
Really enormous. This man was the athlete who was determined to leave the jersey in a better state than when he found it. Added 14 more tackles in the second half after making 14 in the first. Wearing a black jersey, he clattered anything that came his way and added some beautiful touches to the trams. An incredible display from one of the best Springboks ever.
8 – Duane Vermeulen – 8
He delivered in what might have been his last game—nothing is official as of this writing]. appeared to have a gravitational pull of his own, drawing the ball to him on restarts and long kicks. He charged into contact after gaining possession of the ball with an iron grasp, nearly invariably blasting over the gainline. changed to Kwagga Smith’s extra pizzazz after 58 minutes.
16 – Deon Fourie – 7
If he had discovered his radar at the line-out, he would have received an eight or better. Nevertheless, he posed a threat on the field and made several crucial stops, not the least of which came when Frizzell broke through a half gap and looked to score. deserves a ton of respect for playing the second position for 76 minutes in a World Cup final against the All Blacks.
17 – Ox Nche – 8
Though he was unable to duplicate his semi-final scrum dominance, he showed that he was more than simply a set-piece battering ram. played blitz defense and stiff carries, making him a good loose player.
18 – Trevor Nyakane – 7
remained steadfast in the face of pressure during the most significant scrum of his life. It was touching to watch him exult at the final whistle after being sidelined by injuries four years prior during the World Cup.
19 – Jean Kleyn – 8
Kept the furnace burning and provided heft around the fringe when the game threatened to break away from South Africa.
20 – RG Snyman – 7
Brought another dimension to South Africa’s line-out, even though he wasn’t found by Fourie. Kept hammering the tight spaces.
21 – Kwagga Smith – 8
A spectacular steal, as he tore the ball away from Will Jordan as the New Zealand machine was barely getting going. An amazing asset to the Springboks campaign.
22 – Jasper Wiese – N/A
Made all four tackles that he was assigned. Added grunt over the ball.
23 – Willie le Roux – 7
Sparked a few backline moves but was on the pitch to provide stability.
