Springbok player ratings: Disaster-class in Santiago

The Springboks suffered a demoralising loss as Argentina held on to clinch a one-point triumph in Santiago del Estero to keep the Rugby Championship title race alive.

MATCH RECAP: LOS PUMAS STUN BOKS

Manie Libbok missed a match-defining kick in the last minute as the Springboks crashed to a 29-28 defeat against an inspired Argentina in Santiago del Estero in the early hours of Sunday morning. 

The Springboks headed into this Test needing just three log points from the contest to secure the Rugby Championship title. Instead, they produced one of their worst performances under Rassie Erasmus to slump to a deserved loss, one that could now potentially cost them the title altogether. 

That said, the Boks did have a chance to snatch a dramatic win in the final minute when Argentina was pinged for not rolling away, affording Libbok an opportunity to convert a penalty from right in front. 

But for all his genius tactical kicking in this game, the replacement flyhalf lined up that penalty and sent it wide to leave the Springboks reeling. 

But he wasn’t the only one that had contributed to his demoralising defeat. The Springboks team as a collective went MIA in the big moments and ultimately that is what cost them.

 Here are some key player ratings for the Springboks based on their underwhelming contributions.

THE BIGGEST FLOPS IN SPRINGBOKS LOSS

Cobus Reinach and Jaden Hendrikse go MIA when it matters most — 4/10

With the exception of the try he scored, the Reinach did not have a good game. On a day when the Springboks needed him to take on greater responsibility, he failed to do so. Hendrikse came on and he wasn’t much better either.

Malcolm Marx was ineffective — 4/10

It’s not often when one can say Malcolm Marx didn’t fire for the Springboks. However, this is one of those rare occasions when that assessment is true. The hooker’s lineout throwing was below par and he surprisingly played badly either side of the ball: On defence, Marx only made three tackles and in attack he only made six ball carries.

Salmaan Moerat fails to deliver… again — 4/10

In his second game as captain, the Springboks skipper failed to make a meaning impact on the game. He just doesn’t boost the same physicality that the team is accustomed to when Eben Etzebeth starts in the No 4 jumper. Making a measly two running metres from five ball carries is a poor return.

Manie giveth and Manie taketh — 5/10

The nature of professional sport is such that Manie Libbok will be remembered for failing to land that crucial match-defining kick at the death, as grave mistake which cost the Springboks a win. He also failed to find touch when kicking to the line, with the ball going dead instead. But it wouldn’t be amiss to lavish praise on him for his tactical kicking after replacing Handre Pollard. Libbok’s perfectly executed contestable high bombs brought the Springboks back into the game at a time when they were on the back-foot on the field and on the scoreboard.

HOW WOULD YOU RATE THIS BOK PERFORMANCE? 

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this Springboks and Rugby Championship related article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.