We pick five players that shone during the Springboks’ Freedom Cup-clinching 18-12 win over the All Blacks in the fourth round of the Rugby Championship at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Damian de Allende
Official Man of the Match De Allende produced a powerhouse performance once again, with the midfielder’s influence on attack and defence proving central to the Boks getting the result. The 32-year-old, back in his old hometown, made 56 meters with some trademark ball-carrying and an all-important steal when the All Blacks looked to be getting some real momentum going. If he’s not already the best Bok inside centre of the modern era, he’s sure as hell in the conversation.
Siya Kolisi
Not even a broken nose could prevent the Bok skipper from thundering into Kiwi bodies on Saturday, with one particular second-half hit on Jordie Barrett the pick of the lot. Kolisi also crucially scored his side’s first try to finally convert their pressure into points and grab control of the Test match. His upcoming facial operation means it’s unlikely we’ll see him on the pitch again in this year’s tournament, but he should be there to hoist the Rugby Championship trophy come the end of the campaign.
From Cheslin Kolbe taking the line out throw leading to a try by Siya Kolisi, nothing surprises me about the #Springboks anymore. #RSAvsNZL pic.twitter.com/xgWEsccd3k
— Cwenga Maqhubela (@MCwenga19) September 7, 2024
Malcolm Marx
Marx’s introduction off the bench was a game-changer for the Boks. His late try in the corner off the back of a powerful rolling maul was vital in the context of the game, while his brutal carrying and work on the deck stopped the tiring tourists from getting any kind of prolonged ascendency in the second half.
Cheslin Kolbe
Kolbe dished up some signature linebreaks in the Cape to go with a drop goal attempt and even a lineout throw in a typically classy display from one of the Boks’ best. Add to that clutch tackles, supremacy in the air and some brisk handling skills and you’ve got yourself the best winger on the planet.
Ox Nche
Nche was a monster at scrum time and in his carries, hammering into black jerseys with all the power one would expect from the front-row titan. For such a big man, his work rate would put some of the game’s flankers to shame and, scarily for his opposite numbers, he just seems to keep getting better and better at this level.
It's been over 2 hours, but I'm still here 🤯🤯@oxnche which cake do you eat, I need that kind of power because WOW 😂😂💚#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvNZL pic.twitter.com/TRjwdBa97o
— Thembi 💛⏳⌛ (@Mandy_Tee_98) September 7, 2024
