‘He’s finished’: Springbok fans turn on one player after All Blacks defeat

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On his 100th Test, Ardie Savea delivered the decisive moment. The flanker, known for big plays at big times, pulled off a crucial turnover in the 78th minute to shut down South Africa’s late surge.

The victory:

It wasn’t flawless – the All Blacks had been stung by Argentina last time out – but it was gutsy, clinical when it mattered, and enough to secure bragging rights in another pulsating Lipovital-D Rugby Championship Test.

The Springboks finished strongly, throwing everything at New Zealand in the dying stages, but it was the hosts’ attacking edge earlier on that carved out the difference.

As always, the fallout was fierce – and Springbok fans zeroed in on Willie le Roux.

? 

? “That’s Willie Le Roux surely done now? Reached 100 caps, won’t make the next World Cup.”

? “How Willie le Roux still gets selected to play for the Springboks is one of life’s greatest mysteries. He has been washed for 5 years now.”

? “Willie le Roux is just a passenger in this team – the truth be told.”

? “Someone asked if people really believe Willie Le Roux was picked on form or merit. The beauty of being white. Mediocrity is always rewarded.”

? “Willie Le Roux proving his critics right once again. Great servant, but should have hung up his boots 2 years ago.”

Below, we take a closer look at five players who failed to deliver in round three of the Rugby Championship.

RUCK 4.5/10: "South Africa’s centurion had a night to forget. Beaten all too easily in the build-up to Emoni Narawa’s try, his defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed. He failed to inject creativity or link play effectively in attack, looking off the pace throughout. With little contribution going forward and lapses at the back, his presence was more liability than asset. Withdrawn before 50 minutes, this was a flat performance from a player usually relied upon for composure."

Planet Rugby 3/10: "A shocking start to the match as he poorly dealt with Beauden Barrett’s cross-kick to Emoni Narawa, and it proved extremely costly as the winger pounced to score. That was followed by a fumble in the air that resulted in a penalty to New Zealand. Le Roux did have some bright moments in the back-up and with his clearances, but overall, it was a very, very underwhelming performance from the veteran Bok. He was replaced early in the second half by Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu."

The South African 5/10: "He offered little to nothing on attack and was poor in defence. It was his defensive lapse – where he dived over the ball-carrier instead of tackling him – that led to the All Blacks’ opening try in the second minute of the game. By the time he was hooked in the second half, he had already been a passenger for too long."

Summary: Le Roux’s defensive errors and lack of attacking spark made him a liability; a forgettable night for the veteran.

Rugby Pass 3/10: "Two early penalties from Tupou set the Wallabies back. His no arms tackle was picked up by the TMO and reversed a penalty won by McReight, leading to the Pumas first three points. Carried hard but just a little off in his game. Off at half-time."

Planet Rugby 3/10: "A tough day at the office for the tighthead prop who impressed against the Lions and then twice in South Africa. While he did seem to get the upper hand in the scrum, it wasn’t really rewarded, and he struggled with his discipline, conceding two penalties – the first perhaps a bit harsh. He did offer himself up as a carrier but was largely shut down and was quiet on defence. By his recent standards, it was a real mare from the powerhouse forward who didn’t return to the park after half-time."

Rugby Pass 3/10: "The Wallabies scrum looked strong on the first push but they were pinged for not staying straight. Robertson had two penalties conceded early. Off at half-time."

Planet Rugby 3/10: "Much the same as his fellow prop forward, as he conceded two penalties in an ill-disciplined first-half performance from the team as a whole. Rather anonymous around the park, too and hooked at the break."

FloRugby 4/10: "Threatened when the ball finally reached him, but South Africa squeezed his space all night. Seventeen metres from four carries and tidy defensive decisions on the edge. Worked hard on kick chase and clean-up duty. The break did not quite open for him."

RUCK 5/10: "Really quiet performance, didn’t make much of an impact on the game as you’d expect from one of the more experienced players in the All Blacks starting XV."

RUCK 5/10: "South Africa’s fly-half had an uneven night, mixing moments of brilliance with glaring errors. He opened the scoring with a straightforward penalty and delivered a world-class 50:22 late in the first half, demonstrating his tactical kicking ability. Yet, his defensive tackling was poor, he missed another kick at goal, and threw a dreadful pass into touch. Despite his experience, Pollard failed to galvanise a flat Bok attack, leaving his performance defined more by inconsistency than control."

Planet Rugby 3/10: "His sloppy pass put the Springboks under early pressure, and while he recovered to pepper the All Blacks’ backfield and put New Zealand under pressure. However, this was far from a vintage Pollard performance despite flashes of brilliance. His passing accuracy was wayward, and in some way that was due to what he was receiving from the under-pressure Williams."

The South African 6/10: "The flyhalf didn’t get much ball on the front-foot and that is because the Springboks’ forwards were outmuscled and ultimately outplayed. He knocked over his first attempt at goal, but his flawless kicking streak came to an end when he skewed his second attempt at goal."

Summary: Pollard showed flashes of brilliance with tactical kicks, but inconsistency and defensive lapses defined his night.