(Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
This season produced the most consistent set of Springbok performances I have seen since 1998. It has been great to see the Boks playing towards their potential, and reaping the rewards for doing so.
As a unit they were exceptional, and this allowed individuals to perform with great distinction. There was rarely a bad performance as individuals, which is a testament to a great coach in Peter de Villiers, who has produced a happy side that can simply concentrate on performing their roles.
Here are my Springbok player ratings for the Tri Nations in 2009.
1. The Beast Mtawarira—7
Has so much talent, and has improved immensely. Needs to put all aspects of his game together at one time. His scrumming was his weak point, however he may also have been unfairly penalised and could not adapt to inconsistent rulings.
His strengths are with the ball in hand, a high workrate, and although the Beast is a highly visible player, it was his work off the ball that impressed me. He made numerous tackles and did the dirty work at the rucks time and time again.
2. Bismarck du Plessis—8
Had a great season and finally showing the promise we've all known he possesses. Strong at the set-piece, goes unrecognised for helping the Springbok lineout dominate. Acts as an extra loose-forward at times, and contributed greatly with physicality and steals at the breakdown.
With ball in hand, du Plessis was always dangerous, often creating offloads. However, his main improvement this season has been his discipline. In the past, du Plessis was too hot-headed; this year he gave away one penalty.
A mark of how far he has come: During the Perth test, he was encouraging John Smit to remain calm after some bizarre rulings.
3. John Smit—8
An inspirational captain; cool, calm, and collected at all times. Is the greatest Springbok captain since Francois Pienaar and a tremendous ambassador for South Africa.
Has coped really well since moving to tighthead prop. Always has a strong workrate around the field. Can be counted on to drive the ball up when needed, and produced strong counter rucking at the rucks.
The scrum in Hamilton where he demolished Tony Woodcock shows there's nothing wrong with his scrumming ability, he just needs to gain greater consistency.
Highlight of the year was his left-footed grubber, which Matfield scored from, in Cape Town. Legendary.
4. Bakkies Botha—8
The Springbok enforcer had his most consistent season in a long time. Knows his role and performs it exceptionally well. Cleans out the rucks, leads the physical challenge from the Boks, and works extremely hard around the fringes. Gave away a few penalties for entering the ruck from the side, but never cost his side.
His cover tackling this year was superb, shutting down dangerous opposition attacks.
5. Victor Matfield—9
John Smit is the leader, and Victor Matfield is the brains of the Springboks. Without peer as a lineout jumper, he unlocked both the All Black and Wallaby lineouts immediately. He spooks the opposition before they have even thrown the ball in.
Scans the field and controls the direction of play particularly well, and works hard to make tackles around the ruck area. His handling was once again superb all around the field, especially in bending down to score the try, collecting John Smit's grubber.
10 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete