The Springboks may have faded somewhat after their strong start in the 27-20 defeat of the Irish at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, but there were still some individual performances that deserve praise.
Jesse Kriel
Kriel’s form at Test level just hasn’t let up since his influential displays at the World Cup, producing another formidable performance in the midfield on his way to earning the Man of the Match prize. The former Bull, back in his old stomping ground of Pretoria, was supreme in all departments and, barring injury, appears to have locked down the No 13 role this season, with Lukhanyo Am now likely seen as the back up option.
Jesse Kriel is so DISRESPECTFUL!!!!#FOREVERGREENFOREVERGOLD #Springboks #RSAvsIRE pic.twitter.com/roHBaHewik
— Big Mo (@MogomotsiLebot2) July 7, 2024
Cheslin Kolbe
The ultimate opportunist, Kolbe’s persistence at chasing lost causes came up big again for the Boks after James Lowe’s carelessness in trying to keep alive a Handre Pollard touch-finder led to a score for the diminutive winger. The 30-year-old’s vast skillset and cool head continue to set him apart from many of his contemporaries, and his presence in the Bok back three will be vital in Durban this weekend and during the side’s quest to claim an elusive Rugby Championship title this season.
Amabhokobhoko awuphumelele umdlalo-vavanyo wokuqala ne-Ireland eLoftus Versfeld ngalenjikalanga.
— @IindabaZethu (@iindabazethu) July 6, 2024
FT' South Africa 🇿🇦 27 - 20 🇮🇪 Ireland#iindabazethu | #Springboks | #RSAvIRE pic.twitter.com/zxKseKcBEi
Pieter-Steph du Toit
Acting in tandem with Siya Kolisi as edge forwards in Tony Brown’s new attacking system, du Toit enjoyed another blinder in the wide channels, with his ability to offload in contact and keep the ball alive proving instrumental. The flanker wasn’t shabby at lineout time or on defence either, putting in some trademark hits on would-be Ireland attackers and going the full 80 yet again.
Pieter-Steph du Toit and the Boks are pulling out all the stops 🎩 🔥
— MTN Rugby (@MTN_Rugby) July 6, 2024
📸: Springboks#MTNSpringboks24 #30YearsOfProgress #RSAvIRE pic.twitter.com/GqgoRXVbaZ
Siya Kolisi
Kolisi’s bounce of Robbie Henshaw was brutal, providing another reminder of just how much power is packed into his 1.86m, 105kg frame. The skipper put in a big shift and was particularly busy at the breakdown before his second-half substitution, dispelling any lingering doubts over his fitness with a barnstorming return to form in green and gold.
😤 SIYA KOLISI!!! #RSAvIRE pic.twitter.com/C1ZTCu5pq0
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) July 7, 2024
