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How South Africa's players rated versus Canada

By Online Editors
South Africa's Damian Willemse scores his team's ninth try versus Canada in Kobe (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

South Africa made a big statement with their 66-7 win over Canada. Rassie Erasmus’ side were ruthless as they ran 10 tries past the 14-man Canucks and the win means the Boks booked their spot in the quarter-finals. Here’s how they rated: 

15. Damian Willemse - 8/10

Was constantly looking for work. He made a couple of good runs and managed to beat a few defenders in the process.  Also scored his first Test try in a Springboks jersey. Certainly a good replacement for Wille Le Roux.

14. Warrick Gelant - 6 

Neatly collected Elton Jantjies’ cross-kick which prompted Cobus Reinach’s try. The utility back also got his name on the scoresheet by battling past a couple of defenders before he touched down.

13. Damian de Allende - 7 

Took his try well and looked comfortable at outside centre. He made a couple of good breaks and got the team over the advantage line. He also scored the Springboks’ first try.

12. Frans Steyn - 8 

Safe in the midfield. He was busy throughout the match and scored an intercept try.  His experience really boosted the backline.

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11. Sibusiso Nkosi - 7 

Great under the high ball and looked dangerous with the ball in the hand. He showed great skills during an offload and scored a try. Certainly made his case for the No11 jersey.

10. Elton Jantjies - 8 

Great support play. The flyhalf missed two kick at the posts but made up for it in other areas. His kicks out of the hand were impressive and he got the team in the right areas. Overall a solid game.

9. Cobus Reinach - 9

He scored the fastest hat-trick in World Cup history. Dictated proceedings and his box-kicks were executed very well. Was one of his best performances in a Springboks jersey.

8. Francois Louw - 7

Safe pair of hands and one the best loose forwards on the park. He made a handful of tackles and only missed one.

7. Kwagga Smith - 6

The flanker was very quiet and butchered a try with a knock-on. Tried to be more effective in the second half but struggled with the greasy ball.

6. Sisi Kolisi (capt) - 6 

Similar to Smith, he was anonymous and failed to assert himself throughout the game. Made a couple of runs but nothing extraordinary.

5. Franco Mostert - 7 

Made a couple of lineout steals but conceded two unforced penalties in the second half. Nonetheless, the lock has been very good throughout the tournament and continues to impress with each game.

4. Rudolph Snyman - 9

One of the best players on the park. The lock was in fine form, making a couple of good breaks and throwing a few offloads. Despite falling short of the try line, the tall figure set up a couple of tries.

3. Vincent Koch - 6

Made some good tackles and was solid in the scrums before being replaced after just 50 minutes.

2. Schalk Brits - 7

Had a niggle or two but managed to hold his own in the scrums. The hooker also scored his second World Cup try – becoming the second-oldest try scorer in World Cup history.

1. Thomas du Toit - 6

Scrummaged well and was very mobile with a couple of strong carries. Was certainly an extra advantage on the pitch.

Replacements:

16. Malcolm Marx (for Brits, 57 mins) - 6

Ran an excellent line and also directed one rolling maul very well.

17. Steven Kitshoff (for du Toit, 53) - 6

Made a couple of good carries while on the field.

18. Frans Malherbe (for Koch, 53) - 6

Was very effective and scored a try thanks to a powerful carry.

21. Herschel Jantjies (for Reinach, 50) - 6

Kept up the fast pace with quick ball from the base. Despite not scoring he generally carried on where Reinach left off.

22. Handre Pollard (for de Allende, 62) - 6

Ran a few good lines.

19. Eben Etzebeth, 20. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 23. Willie le Roux - Not Used

- rugby365.com

WATCH: RugbyPass gets the fans' verdict following South Africa's easy win over Canada