Kolisi shines on Springboks return

The Springboks were ultimately far too good for a young Wales side on Saturday, with South Africa roaring to a victory that will see them move up to third in the world rankings.

Below, we rank some of the top Bok performers.

These were the Springboks’ standout stars

Siya Kolisi 8/10

What a performance from the captain on his return to rugby after more than four months out of action. Kolisi looked like he’d never been on the sidelines as he produced an energetic effort that began with a superb offload to set up the first try for the Springboks. The flanker got through 40 minutes of game-time, which will have served him incredibly well before the World Cup.

WATCH: Siya Kolisi’s magic move in first game back

Canan Moodie 8/10

The winger made a real play to be considered as the starting right wing, with the youngster hardly putting a foot wrong as he delivered a few delightful defensive reads, while also making regular magic on attack. The Springboks have so much depth on the wing, and it’s going to be a real selection headache to decide who should partner Cheslin Kolbe out wide.

Cheslin Kolbe 8/10

Another magic man on the day, Kolbe was full of classy touches in Cardiff. His display of stepping and speed was reminiscent of his best form as he made his presence felt throughout the encounter. The wing certainly looks to be back to his very best just as the World Cup looms on the horizon.

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Jesse Kriel 7/10

The centre very rarely gets much credit, but this was another superb solid performance from the muscular stalwart who ended up with two tries to his name. In the absence of Lukhanyo Am, the Springboks need Kriel to step up, and the signs certainly suggest he is rising to the occasion.

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RG Snyman 7/10

The Springboks clearly feel that Snyman can provide something special at No 5, and his physical presence was clear to see throughout Saturday’s clash. For such a big man, he is incredibly athletic and boasts a remarkable work rate, and it was certainly good news to see him get through an impressive 80-minute performance.

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Here is how the teams lined up:

Springboks – 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 RG Snyman, 4 Jean Kleyn, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff.
Subs: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Franco Mostert, 20 Marco van Staden, 21 Duane Vermeulen, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Damian Willemse.

Wales – revised; 15 Cai Evans, 14 Alex Cuthbert,13 Mason Grady, 12 Johnny Williams,11 Rio Dyer, 10 Sam Costelow, 9 Kieran Hardy, 8 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Jac Morgan (captain), 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Will Rowlands, 4 Ben Carter, 3 Keiron Assiratti, 2 Elliot Dee, 1 Corey Domachowski.
Replacements: 16 Sam Parry, 17 Nicky Smith, 18 Henry Thomas, 19 Teddy Williams, 20 Taine Basham, 21 Tomos Williams, 22 Max Llewellyn, 23 Tom Rogers.

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