Springboks player ratings vs All Blacks: Third test scores revealed

Saturday, 05 September 2026 at 18:10

bySteven Smith

Springboks player ratings as Rassie Erasmus’ side secured victory over the All Blacks in the third Test at FNB Stadium.

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South Africa were forced to dig deep, but their power from the bench ultimately proved decisive as the Springboks battled to a 29-24 victory.

The Boks suffered an early setback when Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was shown a yellow card before Cheslin Kolbe was forced off through injury, with Ardie Savea taking advantage to score the opening try.

Kurt-Lee Arendse quickly hit back for South Africa before Savea crossed for his second to restore New Zealand’s advantage.

The Springbok pack then took control at scrum time, with their dominance eventually rewarded with a penalty try to send the sides into half-time locked at 12-12.

Will Jordan crossed after 56 minutes to put the All Blacks back in front, but the Boks responded once again through Jesse Kriel. His converted score edged South Africa ahead before Malcolm Marx powered over from the back of a maul to give the hosts breathing room.

A Feinberg-Mngomezulu penalty stretched South Africa’s advantage to 12 points with less than 10 minutes remaining.

Samisoni Taukei’aho crossed after 80 minutes to narrow the final margin, but it was too late to deny the Springboks a 29-24 victory at FNB Stadium.

Scroll down for Springboks player ratings vs Springboks

Springboks: 29

All Blacks: 24

Springboks player ratings vs All Blacks:

Player ratings by Asiphe Ngqamba on RUCK Debut.

15. Cheslin Kolbe — N/A

Kolbe made an important defensive save by kicking the ball away from the try line. He also produced some good kicks during the match. Overall, he made a valuable contribution before leaving the field for a head injury assessment.

14. Kurt-Lee Arendse — 8/10

Arendse delivered an excellent attacking performance by scoring the first Springbok try. He also made important tackles close to the try line. His combination of attacking threat and defensive effort earned him a strong rating.

13. Jesse Kriel — 7/10

Kriel gained valuable metres throughout the match. When the ball slipped through his hands, he quickly regained it and continued to make an impact. He capped his performance by scoring a try in the 57th minute.

12. Damian de Allende — 7/10

De Allende was strong in defence and made several important tackles. He also gained valuable metres with his carries. His passing and physicality made him an important part of the Springbok attack.

11. Ethan Hooker — 8/10

Hooker struggled with his handling during the match and was responsible for multiple knock-ons. Despite his mistakes, he defended well against his opponents.

10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu — 5/10

Feinberg-Mngomezulu contributed with several tackles but received a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on. He was also on the receiving end of a high tackle and showed attacking intent despite the pressure.

9. Cobus Reinach — 6/10

Reinach worked hard defensively throughout his time on the field. He made important tackles and helped the Springboks maintain their defensive intensity. He provided a solid overall performance.

8. Jasper Wiese — 7/10

Wiese put in a solid shift around the field. He contributed defensively and worked hard in the physical exchanges. Overall, he gave the Springboks a dependable performance.

7. Pieter-Steph du Toit — 8/10

Du Toit produced an excellent defensive effort. He made important tackles, including interventions that helped prevent the All Blacks from scoring early. He also gained valuable metres with his carries.

6. Siya Kolisi (captain) — 7/10

Kolisi made several strong tackles during the match but missed an important tackle in the build-up to an All Blacks try.

5. Ruan Nortje — 7/10

Nortje made some excellent lineout catches and contributed well to the team's set-piece work. His performance was solid without being particularly dominant.

4. Eben Etzebeth — 7/10

Etzebeth made several important tackles and provided his customary physical presence. He produced a solid defensive performance.

3. Wilco Louw — 7/10

Louw worked hard defensively and made important tackles while contributing to the Springbok scrum. He was replaced in the second half.

2. Malcolm Marx — 9/10

Marx produced a strong defensive performance and made a number of tackles. He also delivered good lineout throws before capping his performance by scoring a try in the 65th minute.

1. Ox Nche — 8/10

Nche worked hard defensively and made five tackles. He also made a significant contribution at scrum time and produced another strong performance up front.

Replacements

16. Deon Fourie — N/A

He was only on the field for a few minutes.

17. Gerhard Steenekamp — 6/10

Steenekamp came on to strengthen the front row. He contributed at scrum time and worked hard defensively, helping maintain the intensity of the forward pack.

18. Thomas du Toit — 7/10

Du Toit entered the game in the second half and added physicality to the forward pack. He worked hard in the defensive exchanges and made a solid contribution off the bench.

19. Lood de Jager — 7/10

De Jager came on in the second half and added physicality to the forwards. He contributed defensively and worked hard in the contact areas, providing a steady contribution from the bench.

20. Andre Esterhuizen — 7/10

Although he entered the game late, Esterhuizen quickly became a defensive rock and added further physicality to the Springbok backline.

21. Cameron Hanekom — 6/10

Hanekom provided plenty of energy in the final quarter, helping the Springboks maintain their intensity and protect their lead.

22. Morne van den Berg — 7/10

Van den Berg brought a high defensive work rate and made several tackles. His energy helped the Springboks maintain their intensity late in the contest.

23. Manie Libbok — 8/10

Libbok replaced Cheslin Kolbe and contributed with his kicking while also working hard defensively. He provided useful impact after coming on.

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