South Africa 19 – 13 Ireland: Player Ratings

SOUTH AFRICA

Willie Le Roux – 6

The one time world player of the year nominee has not been himself this season and was lucky to stay on the field after his reckless challenge on Tiarnan O’Halloran

Ruan Combrinck – 7.5

Has taken to test rugby like a duck to water. While he was not as prominent in an attacking sense as the previous week, Combrinck’s booming right boot allowed South Africa to relieve pressure at crucial times.

Lionel Mapoe – 6

The jury is still out on whether Mapoe is a test quality 13. Has failed to transfer club form to the International stage. Solid defensively, but little else.

Damien De Allende – 7.5

Has rediscovered his form as the series progressed and once again proved a handful for Ireland’s defence. One carry through a Paddy Jackson tackle was a particular highlight.

JP Pietersen – 8

May not have the lightening pace of old, but Pietersen’s experience was valuable to the Springboks on Saturday. Solid defensively and scored the crucial match winning try.

Elton Jantjies – 7.5

Delightful chip for JP Pieterson’s try and controlled proceedings much better than in the previous two weeks. The only blot on a impressive display was the missed tackle for Luke Marshall’s first half try.

Faf De Klerk – 8.5

Provided two match winning interventions on the day he cemented his place as the South Africa scrum half for the Rugby Championship. Fantastic tackle on Earls at the death won the game and the series.

Warren Whiteley – 8

Part of a huge South African defensive effort, making a match high 24 tackles. Duane Vermuelen will struggle to displace him.

Siya Kolisi – 6 S

Strong defensively, but may lose out in the Rugby Championship to the more dynamic Jaco Kriel. Did not have the desired impact in the loose.

Francois Louw – 7

His best game of the series and played a key role in South Africa’s improved work at the breakdown.

Pieter Steph-Du Toit – 7

Impressive series from the second-row who forms an imposing partnership with Eben Etzebeth. A key part of an effective and efficient South Africa line-out.

Eben Etzebeth – 7.5

Not a vintage series, but was the South African enforcer in defence in Port Elizabeth and never took a backward step.

Frans Malherbe – 6.5

Under pressure from the Redelinghuys Malherbe was part of a powerful scrum effort. Needs to cut out the silly penalties.

Adrian Strauss – 6.5

Quiet game for the captain, who is still adjusting to his new role in Alastair Coetzee’s side

Tendai Mtawairra 7.5

Had Mike Ross’s number yet again and maintains his status as one of the top loose-heads in world rugby.

Replacements: 7.5

Impressive debut for Steven Kitshoff, who made 10 tackles in a lively cameo. Julian Redelinghuys and Jaco Kriel also impressed as part of a courageous defensive rearguard.

IRELAND

Tiernan O’Halloran – 6.5

Difficult to judge after early mid air collision with Le Roux resulted in half time withdrawal. Targeted early by the hosts, but stood up to the challenge.

Andrew Trimble – 6.5

Physical in both attack and defence and continued his good form from earlier in the series. Will be disappointed to have been caught out for Pietersen’s try.

Luke Marshall – 7

Aside from a few handling areas Marshall again caught the eye in attack, with two line breaks and a first half try. A viable centre option going forward to November

Stuart Olding – 6

Some nice flashes in attack, including a delightful chip and gather over the defence, but struggled physically at times as the game wore on.

Keith Earls – 6

Drifted in and out of the game, but solid overall. Conceded crucial turnover at the death to hand South Africa victory.

Paddy Jackson – 6.5

Never reached the highs of Cape Town, but goal kicking again remains assured. Kicking out of hand disintegrated as the game wore on and will wonder what might have been had his try scoring pass to Earls not been intercepted by De Klerk.

Conor Murray – 7

Arguably Ireland’s player of the series. Kept the defence honest and once again provided an outlet for his team with the boot.

Jamie Heaslip – 7

Mr Consistent this series. Heaslip does the unseen work and made the hard yards for his team. A key leader for the side

Jordi Murphy – 7

An impressive tour for Murphy, who rewarded Joe Schmidt’s faith with an effective all-round display.

CJ Stander – 7

Eager to make an impression and always a willing ball carrier, but well marshalled by the Springboks, who met him head on.

Iain Henderson – 7.5

In the land of giants Henderson has more than held his own. Ireland’s most powerful and effective ball carrier. A key part of a now established partnership with Toner.

Devin Toner – 7.5

A strong tour from the Leinster man who coupled excellent line-out work with some strong carries around the field.

Mike Ross – 5.5

Could this tour spell the end for Ross in an Irish jersey? Lost his personal duel with the Beast again and with a number of young tight-heads breathing down his neck Ross’ days could be numbered.

Rory Best – 6.5

A few crooked line-outs aside was prominent in the loose and can be proud of his efforts as captain in South Africa.

Jack McGrath – 7

Some problems with Malherbe at scrum time, but otherwise a vital contributor for his side. Phenomenal work rate for a prop.

Replacements – 6.5

Cronin showed his undoubted quality from the bench with a barnstorming run, while on his last appearance Eoin Reddan looked sharp around the fringes and won a turnover penalty. Dillane was another to impress in his brief cameo.

By Gareth McKeown (@GarethMcKeownIN)

Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images