Springboks Player Ratings From 45-0 Masterclass Against Italy In Gqeberha
Springboks Player Ratings From 45-0 Masterclass Against Italy In Gqeberha
See the Springboks player ratings after a 45-0 rout of Italy in Gqeberha. Full breakdown of standout performances, tactical impact and top individuals.
Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks delivered a statement performance with a 45-0 demolition of Italy at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
This emphatic display came despite a first-half red card to Jasper Wiese and a second-half yellow to Wilco Louw, showcasing the Boks’ depth, resolve and tactical superiority.
For the first time in 26 years, the Italians were kept scoreless, underlining South Africa's defensive steel.
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Seven tries, a midfield maul masterclass and creative ingenuity at set-piece time highlighted the Springboks’ offensive arsenal.
It also was a night to remember for Willie le Roux, who celebrated his 100th cap with composure and flair.
A lively crowd of over 44,000 was treated to inventive rugby, clinical finishing and high-octane breakdown work.
From the bold kickoff ploy to Edwill van der Merwe’s double and Jan-Hendrik Wessels’ late strike, the Springboks blended brute strength with strategic clarity.
Erasmus will be thrilled with the team bouncing back after a sluggish finish the week before.
Here’s how the Springbok players rated individually:
1. Thomas du Toit – 3
Du Toit was selected out of position and paid the price. He struggled in the scrum against Ferrari, offering little stability.
Withdrawn before halftime, he’s a top-class tighthead, but he's simply not suited for loosehead at test level.
2. Malcolm Marx – 9
Marx was immense all match.
He dominated the breakdown, executed perfect lineout throws and powered over for a try.
His physical presence and technical excellence cemented his place as South Africa's premier hooker.
3. Wilco Louw – 6
Aside from his yellow card, Louw was impressive.
His scrummaging was solid, and he gained 22 meters from five strong carries.
He was active at the breakdown and carried with venom into contact, though the card drops his overall mark.
4. Salmaan Moerat – 7
Moerat led with authority and handled referee communication well.
While his stats don’t leap off the page, Moerat did valuable work clearing rucks and was a calming influence in a chaotic first half.
He's still a work in progress when it comes to his impact in open play when compared with the players he is competing against for the jersey.
5. Ruan Nortje – 7
Nortje dominated at the lineout, claiming eight throws.
Although quiet with the ball in hand, his off-the-ball work and mobility stood out.
He contributed effectively to the maul and provided a clean platform ball throughout.
6. Marco van Staden – 7
Van Staden was physical and disciplined.
He made five tackles, carried six times and brought his usual menace at the breakdown.
While less flashy than others, his effectiveness in the trenches was essential to the team’s rhythm.
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit – 7
PSDT led the pack in carries with 11 for 48 meters.
His tireless engine and ability to recycle possession were pivotal.
He combined muscle with smart running lines and contributed well in both attack and defense.
8. Jasper Wiese – 1
A reckless red card for a headbutt overshadowed what could have been a special day alongside his brother.
His error left the Boks a man down for 60 minutes.
It was a rare lapse in judgment from an otherwise cerebral player.
9. Grant Williams – 8.5
Williams was electric.
He scored the opening try with sharp support play and set a blistering tempo all match.
His slick delivery from the base and constant threat around the fringes gave the Boks consistent front-foot ball.
10. Manie Libbok – 7.5
Erratic off the tee again, but outstanding in open play.
His passing range, vision and line running tore Italy apart.
He set up multiple scoring chances and looked confident orchestrating play behind a dominant pack.
11. Makazole Mapimpi – 8
The veteran winger finished a classy try and made 54 meters from four carries.
He beat three defenders, added a try assist and constantly pressured on kick chase.
He's still one of South Africa’s most reliable strike weapons.
12. Andre Esterhuizen – 8
Esterhuizen rushed the gainline with 15 carries for 42 meters.
He dominated the contact zone and shifted seamlessly into a forward role after Wiese’s red card.
His evolution into a hybrid back-row threat is exciting to watch.
13. Canan Moodie – 8.5
Moodie’s hunger for work stood out.
He scored a powerful try, made key tackles and secured a turnover.
He continues to evolve into an elite test center with strength, pace and a developing rugby IQ.
14. Edwill van der Merwe – 9
Superb two-try performance.
He made 46 meters from nine carries, broke the line once and beat a defender. He nearly scored a third.
He was fast, elusive and clinical – he’s staking a serious claim for a starting role.
15. Willie le Roux – 7
On his 100th cap, le Roux orchestrated attacks with poise.
He set up a try with a superb long pass, and it was safe under the high ball.
His experience and calmness brought balance to a youthful back line.
Substitutes
16. Jan-Hendrik Wessels – 8
He showed high energy with a try-saving tackle and capped it off by scoring the final try.
His work rate and versatility are earning him serious trust from the Bok coaches.
17. Ox Nche – 9
He tore through the Italian scrum immediately upon entry.
His dominance in the set piece created front-foot ball and a key try.
He's unquestionably the best scrummaging loosehead in world rugby.
18. Asenathi Ntlabakanye – 7
Solid debut.
He threw himself into contact, scrummed well and showed why he’s so highly regarded.
He was a physical presence who didn’t look out of place at all.
19. Cobus Wiese – 7
Impressive in his first test.
He was good in the line-out, tidy with ball in hand and added energy off the bench.
He showed he belongs at this level with a hardworking outing.
20. Evan Roos – 8
Roos was everywhere in his 25-minute cameo.
He made 11 carries for 35 meters and gave the Boks momentum late in the game.
He's a genuine option, should Wiese miss time through suspension.
21. Cobus Reinach – 6.5
He came on and kept the tempo high.
He made 28 passes and had two probing runs.
He brought control and continuity in the closing stages.
He had a composed bench performance.
22. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – 5
He had a few silky touches but didn’t assert himself fully.
He looked composed at fullback but didn’t impact the game significantly.
He's still a player with big potential.
23. Ethan Hooker – 5
It was a quiet debut for Hooker.
He made some useful tackles and did the basics well, but he didn’t get many opportunities.
He's one to watch with more minutes and confidence.
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