Player Ratings: South Africa

by Brendan Cole

South Africa put in an excellent cup final performance to see off England, forcing penalties to get into a lead and then defending and kicking their way to victory.

Click here for England RWC final ratings.

1: Os du Randt

Fantastic performance from this old stager, who combined a strong scrummaging performance with some big plays in the loose. Remarkable stuff from a man of his age.

2: John Smit

Outdid his opposite number for power and effect around the park, and was an ideal leader for his side in a match where will to win, and the tight exchanges were of vital importance.

3: CJ van der Linde

Canny enough to limit the damage Sheridan did, with a clever wobble here and a dropped scrum there doing the job. This was a key area for England, and van der Linde - although it was a close run thing at times - passed the test.

4: Bakkies Botha

Hard man also put in his share of work in the air, along with Matfield and Smith. One ruck hit on Kay set the tone for the Boks when the trench warfare was at its height, and the lack of change England got in driving play was a notable aspect of this Springbok win.

5: Victor Matfield

Imperious in the lineout on Springbok ball - his wonderful handling was a pleasure to watch - and although England managed to hold their own for much of the game, Matfield took a few damaging steals. Kick to the corner from first receiver position was a mark of his class.

6: Schalk Burger

England were completely dominated in the fringes by the big hitting flanker, who put in a typically abrasive showing and, as usual, got through the work of two men. A real key man for the Boks, who he personally confirmed his position as the best six in the world.

7: Juan Smith

Bobby Skinstad may have a more expensive hairdo, but Smith is the real deal these days when it comes to back row play. Excellent lineout play - getting up and handling the ball with ease - and also drove England back on more than one occasion.

8: Danie Roussouw

Not a hugely impressive showing but Roussouw is of the quiet and effective variety of back row forward. His half tackle on Cueto arguably saved the game for the Boks, and it is to his credit that he was there to make it.

9: Fourie du Preez

Not as visible as during the Pool A clash, nor did he have any flagship moments like the intercept try in the semi-final. But du Preez caught and kicked well, and controlled things with ease from the base of the ruck and from off the top ball at lineout time. 

11: Bryan Habana

Won his battle with Sackey and defended his wing well when England tried to move the ball wide. Didn't get a real chance going forward, but did the needful with class and assurance.

12: Francois Steyn

Excellent driving runs up the middle - England really struggled to cope with his strength - and his long range kicking were big assets, the three pointer was spectactular, and vital. Made his usual one or two errors, and was one of those who missed Tait for his break that nearly ended in a try.

13: Jaque Fourie

Not much impact from Fourie going forward, although he defended well.

14: JP Pietersen

Mixed good play with errors - dropping a high ball but also doing well once or twice. In a game not made made for wingers, his chasing of kicks was a major asset.

15: Percy Montgomery

No arguing with the quality of this performance. Long kicking at the back, accuracy off the deck - even allowing for the fact that two of his four pens were of the 'gimme' variety - and solidity of under the high ball were hallmarks. The way the Boks go about things - plenty of ping pong - Montgomery is a vital player, and he didn't let them down.

Bench Rating: South Africa

South Africa were dominant when their subs came on but the defensive and rucking effort didn't falter.

Manager Rating: Jake White

Slight lack of ambition could have cost his side, although it's hard to blame him for sending out his men with a 'do what you've done to get you here' message ringing in their ears. Cueto's 'try' would have asked major questions, but in the end a slightly above average display was enough for this well oiled Springbok machine.