Cheslin Kolbe scored for the Springboks. Photo / Photosport
See who shone and who struggled in South Africa's 36-34 win over the All Blacks.
15. Jordie Barrett - 6
Raced into fifth minute gap like he was late for a bus. Glitch with rushed throw-in nabbed by Le Roux in 25th. Glided well into line.
14. Ben Smith - 7
Poise as he accelerates is a trait which will be lauded in All Blacks history. Ensured opponents were constantly pirouetting.
13. Anton Lienert-Brown - 6
Sitting duck as Le Roux snared 25th min Jordie Barrett lineout pass. Composed hot kumara-ing Ioane try. Fed Kolbe for intercept.
12. Ryan Crotty - 6
Constant forays to try to pierce Springbok defence in return from concussion. Faced a Fenway Park Green Monster defence.
11. Rieko Ioane - 6
Pace might challenge a cheetah or greyhound but few opportunities to unleash. Fred Astaire footwork in second half try.
10. Beauden Barrett - 5
Kicking boot struggled at key moments, like at 36-34. Courage in 56th as Boks loomed, but stepped by Dyantyi later.
9. Aaron Smith - 6
Struggled under Springbok swarming defence in pursuit of victory. Graceful hongi to swap with Perenara.
8. Kieran Read - 7
Constant threshing in the rucks and mauls. Key lineout take in 79th and stepped up — but to no avail — in final stanzas.
7. Sam Cane - 6
Spilt ball early but buried himself in graft work to keep All Blacks' chances alive. Met steely Springboks' resolve at breakdowns.
6. Liam Squire - 6
Useful lineout mitts and handy running off teammates' shoulders. Struggled against opposition might.
5. Scott Barrett - 6
Dragged into maul as Marx came free in 32nd minute try. Kept tackling but physicality appeared to take its toll.
4. Samuel Whitelock - 6
Did plenty of mahi against unrelenting opponents. Gave scrum spine but Springboks had measure despite his rangy work.
3. Owen Franks - 7
Tenacious tackling made sure attackers felt his presence. Powerful cornerstone scrummaging.
2. Codie Taylor - 7
Textbook draw and pass in face of 17th minute Kitshoff challenge to set Ben Smith free. Roamed with flair.
1. Karl Tu'inukuafe - 7
Could safely lay out silver service setting to dine off his back in the scrum. Teased with a Meads-esque one-handed run.
Reserves
16. Liam Coltman - 6
17. Tim Perry - N/A
18. Ofa Tuungafasi - 6
19. Patrick Tuipulotu - 6
20. Ardie Savea - 7
21. TJ Perenara - 8
22. Jack Goodhue - 7
23. Damian McKenzie - 7
15. Willie le Roux - 7
Exquisite grubber and perseverance in chase set up 25th minute try. Got yellow card in 68th after desperation at ruck.
14. Jesse Kriel - 7
Effective 52nd tackle to snuff out Read scrum move, but not enough to stop All Blacks juggernaut moments later.
13. Lukhanyo Am - 7
Punishing tackler on occasion. Combative in attack but replaced by Kolbe at halftime, who snared crucial intercept.
12. Damian de Allende - 6
Shoulder looked damaged early in second half. Struggled to make an impact through All Blacks defensive line.
11. Aphiwe Dyantyi - 7
Looked like a Dancing With The Stars rookie against Ben Smith footwork but got utu waltzing in for two tries.
10. Handré Pollard - 7
Over-kicked at start but made sound marshalling decisions. Even refused to flinch as Tu'inukuafe bulldozer loomed.
9. Faf de Klerk - 7
Looked like a modern day Jean-Pierre Rives dashing about the fray. Gave forwards plenty of incentive.
8. Warren Whiteley - 8
Roved and revved his way around the field to lend stability and poise to cause. A selfless display. Looked knackered.
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit - 6
Clasping at shadows on occasion against All Blacks' sleight of hand. Ran effectively with ball in hand.
6. Siya Kolisi - 7
Revelled in tackling and led by example to get team to first win in New Zealand since 2009. Stamped the authority of Old Foe.
5. Franco Mostert - 6
Did some maul surfing in the lead-up to Marx try. Handy takes from lineout ensured Springboks had resource to work with.
4. Eben Etzebeth - 7
Rummaged around in rucks and mauls with limited dividends. Safe lineout option. Disciplined with victory on horizon.
3. Frans Malherbe - 7
Meaty early tackle on Beauden Barrett. Squire's right arm and shoulder know the capability of his horsepower.
2. Malcolm Marx - 8
Carried ball like it was a crown jewel for 32nd minute try. Master at drawing defenders and creating space elsewhere.
1. Steven Kitshoff - 7
Leg power in mauls gave Springboks parity and swung hips into a pass like Bruce Robertson in one backline cameo.
Reserves
16. Bongi Mbonambi - N/A
17. Tendai Mtawarira - 7
18. Wilco Louw - N/A
19. RG Snyman - 7
20. Francois Louw - N/A
21. Ross Cronjé - N/A
22. Elton Jantjies - 7
23. Cheslin Kolbe - 7
OPINION: World Rugby trials new referees, but high standards remain a pressing concern.