PLAYER RATINGS: A-plus Springboks turn Test into try-fest
As the curtain falls on the Springboks' mid-year Test campaign, we hand out some key player ratings based on individual performances against Portugal on Saturday.
![PLAYER RATINGS: A-plus Springboks turn Test into try-fest](https://www.thesouthafrican.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Springboks-Sacha-Mapimpi-and-Horn-celebrate--1200x1000.jpeg.optimal.jpeg?#)
The Springboks inflicted a comprehensive 64-21 defeat on Portugal when they clashed at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday night.
In a ruthless display of attacking flair and defensive superiority, the Springboks ran in 10 tries, while only conceding three, to capped off their mid-year Test campaign on a high note.
This masterclass came despite the fact that the Springboks had to play the majority of the game with 14 men, after Andre Esterhuizen’s yellow card was upgraded to a red for a contentious head-to-head clash early on in the contest.
SPRINGBOKS DAZZLE IN BLOEMFONTEIN
Lukhanyo Am is the Springboks’ man in the middle — 9/10
After his centre partner Andre Esterhuizen’s yellow card for a head-to-head clash, Am was tasked to cover the midfield alone and he did so with aplomb. As the battle heated up, the Portuguese tried to attack through his channel, but found themselves running into a brick wall, with Am showing that he remains the heartbeat of the Springbok defence. He also scored a brilliant solo try.
Thomas ‘The Tank’ du Toit — 8/10
The 29-year-old reinvented himself at Bath this past season and he carried that form into this Test appearance. Immovable in the scrum, it was also his work in the loose that had been most impressive, as he does a lot of the hard yards in the close quarters.
BJ Dixon proves himself as Pieter-Steph’s du Toit heir — 8/10
Powerful in the carry, Dixon was industrious throughout and remained committed to running into heavy traffic and punching holes in Portugal’s line. Dotted down for a try to capped off a fine display.
Springbok debutants turn first Test into try-fest — 8/10
The Springboks’ match-day lineup featured seven debuts and four of them scored in their first-ever Test match. Starters Jan-Hendrik Wessels (prop) and Phepsi Buthelezi (flank) both crossed for a five-pointer in the first half. Replacement debutants Andre-Hugo Venter (hooker) and Quan Horn (fullback) added their names to the scoresheet soon after their respective introductions.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is a superstar — 9/10
The fulcrum from which the Springboks backline rotates with his line-busting ability, soft hands, and defensive nous makes him the complete package. Slotting five from five conversions, he was also flawless off the kicking tee. His second half cameo was impressive, to put it mildly.
Springboks’ flying wings Kurt-Lee Arendse and Makazole Mapimpi 8/10
When big moments were needed, Arendse stood up with his trademark bravery on defence and lethal try-scoring run. He now has 15 tries in 18 Tests. As for Mapimpi, the fans’ darling, he popped up all over the park and it paid dividends he bagged a hat-trick. This performance serves as a timely reminder that Mapimpi still has what it takes to positively impact Test matches for the Springboks.
![New Springboks capped against Portugal](https://www.thesouthafrican.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/New-Springboks-capped-against-Portugal-.jpeg.optimal.jpeg)