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Springboks Player Ratings v New Zealand: Who FIRED, who FLOPPED

Posted on September 6, 2025
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New Zealand maintained their 30-year streak at Eden Park after defeating the Springboks on Saturday.

The All Blacks conquered the Springboks 24-17 in a hard-fought test match in Round Three of the Rugby Championship on Saturday in Auckland.

So, let’s take a look at who flopped and flopped for the Boks.


WHO FLOPPED FOR THE BOKS AGAINST THE ALL BLACKS

Eben Etzebeth – 5.5/10

This is one of the most underwhelming performances I have seen from the most capped Springboks player of all time. He was part of a misfiring and poor Bok lineout. Also, Etzebeth struggled to get over the advantage line

Ruan Nortje – 5/10

Alongside Etzebeth, Nortje failed to fire in the line-outs. He struggled to get front-foot ball and missed a few crucial cleanouts.

Willie Le Roux – 5/10

An early and uncharacteristic slip from Le Roux led to the Boks conceding a soft try in the second minute.

Meanwhile, he did not offer much on the attack. Le Roux also kicked away the position. He grew into the game as the game progressed. However, the damage was done with the Springboks having to chase the game at Eden Park.


WHO FIRED FOR THE SPRINGBOKS AGAINST NZ

Jesse Kriel – 7/10

Kriel led from the front as captain. He made some solid defensive reads, including a huge hit on Jordie Barrett. Furthermore, he made some good runs too.

Ox Nche – 7.5/10

Ox was monstrous in the scrum.

He steamrolled his way through the All Blacks’ front row, at ease. So, Ox reminded us why he earned the nickname with a powerful display at scrum time.

Honourable mentions off the Bok bench:

Amongst the forwards, Jan-Hendrick Wessels (7), Lood de Jager (7), and Kwagga Smith (7) brought some much-needed intensity and firepower off the Bok bench.

In the backline, Cobus Reinach (7.5) and Sacha-Feinberg Mngomezulu (7.5) brought some much-needed attacking spark, creativity and passion to the Springboks attack.


WHICH SPRINGBOKS FLOPPED AGAINST NZ AND WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU MAKE FOR THE REMATCH AGAINST THE ALL BLACKS AT WELLINGTON?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1

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