Springboks player ratings vs All Blacks: Rugby Championship Round Four

Saturday, 13 September 2025 at 10:12

byCharlie Elliott

Springbok player ratings vs All Blacks as South Africa dismantled New Zealand in Round Four of the Rugby Championship.

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A patched-up, injury-hit Springboks outfit dished out a brutal rugby masterclass to the All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday, storming to a record-breaking 43-10 victory.

Down 10-7 at the break, the Boks flipped the script with a six-try blitz, bagging maximum log points to keep their Rugby Championship defence alive and kicking.

The win not only sealed the Freedom Cup but also launched South Africa back to World No.1 — a serious statement to the rest of world rugby.

Scroll down for Springboks player ratings vs All Blacks:

All Blacks: 10

Springboks: 43

Springboks player ratings vs All Blacks:

15 Aphelele Fassi – 6

Strong under the high ball before being forced off just before half-time. Didn’t get many attacking chances but looked solid while he was on. Limited impact overall due to his early exit.

14 Cheslin Kolbe – 9

Scored two blistering tries—one a sharp interception, the other with lethal finishing out wide. Made a crucial knock-on just short of the try line earlier but still showed why he’s world-class. Taken off for an HIA at 46 minutes.

13 Canan Moodie – 7.5

Ran strong lines and kept the All Blacks under pressure. His defence was particularly sharp, nearly forcing turnovers. Quietly effective and solid throughout the match.

12 Damian Willemse – 7.5

A mixed performance—flashes of footwork brilliance and a powerful finish for his try, but also threw a poor pass that ended a promising move. Grew into the game and added real spark after his try.

11 Ethan Hooker – 8

Didn’t see much ball early but used his height well under the high ball. Shifted to a new role after Kolbe went off. Very solid effort in a disrupted backline but showed a huge flash of potential with an unbelievable run in the build-up to Kwagga Smith’s try. First start in the green and gold.

10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – 7

Looked electric early with dazzling footwork and a pinpoint kick that nearly set up Kolbe. Forced off after 20 minutes with a failed HIA, ending his day prematurely, but showed promise in his short spell.

9 Cobus Reinach – 7.5

Came flying out of the gates with urgency, but two knock-ons—including one that cancelled a try—spoiled his outing. Went off for an HIA before half-time. Unlucky with some moments that didn’t fall his way but delivered very good speed of service and an overall strong performance.

8 Jasper Wiese – 7.5

Brought relentless work rate around the park. Made carries and tackled well, helping the Boks stay physical through the middle. A solid return after suspension.

7 Pieter-Steph du Toit – 8

Tackled relentlessly and secured both lineout ball and a key steal. A quiet leader who did his job brilliantly on both sides of the ball. Another typically industrious display. Great take from a cross-kick and an inventive offload for Kwagga Smith to finish with ease.

6 Siya Kolisi (c) – 7.5

A real captain’s performance—heavily involved defensively and led by example with strong carries. Played a big part in the build-up to Kolbe’s second try. Subbed off at 60 with his usual fire and leadership.

5 Ruan Nortje – 7.5

Key in the lineout and produced a big tackle to shut down a dangerous Sititi break. Kept things tight in the engine room. Quiet but effective performance.

4 Lood de Jager – N/A

Had to leave the field just nine minutes in, limiting his involvement. Took one clean lineout before making way for RG Snyman.

3 Thomas du Toit – 7

Got a dominant scrum early and was part of a strong platform up front. Came off shortly after the break but left a solid impression at set piece.

2 Malcolm Marx – 7

One overthrown lineout and a knock-on in contact were low points, but he made a charging run that broke tackles and threatened the All Blacks’ defence. Carried with aggression and intent.

1 Ox Nche – 7.5

Powerful in contact and helped win a crucial scrum in the first half. Subbed off early in the second but contributed well in his time on the pitch.

Replacements – 9

Every single one of them added intensity to both defence and attack. Despite all the injury issues faced on the day, the replacements kept things ticking and even improved the performance. A massive shift from RG Snyman, Andre Esterhuizen, and Manie Libbok to name three, but all deserve huge credit. They changed the game and were a big reason behind the strong second half.

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