The Springboks fell to a dramatic 42-38 defeat against Australia in Perth on Sunday, with a late fightback falling just short after the Wallabies had threatened to run away with the contest.
Despite the result, several South African players produced impressive individual performances, while others struggled to make the desired impact.
Here is how the Springboks rated on the day.
Springbok player ratings
15. Aphelele Fassi – 5/10
Fassi endured a difficult afternoon, particularly under the high ball. He was caught out of position on more than one occasion and also threw a forward pass when South Africa had created a promising attacking overlap. One of his errors under the high ball contributed to Australia moving ahead.
14. Edwill van der Merwe – 6.5/10
Van der Merwe had limited involvement during the opening stages as the Springboks concentrated on attacking through the middle. However, he made his opportunity count when he finished a well-executed team move to bring South Africa level at 17-17.
13. Canan Moodie – 7.5/10
Moodie was one of the more impressive backs in the Springbok lineup. He defended aggressively, closed down attacking space and made several important tackles. His break in the build-up to Van der Merwe’s try also showed his attacking value.
12. Andre Esterhuizen – 7/10
Making his first appearance as Springbok captain, Esterhuizen handled the responsibility well. He carried strongly and showed good awareness in attack. His decision-making and flat pass to Moodie played an important role in creating the opening for Van der Merwe’s try.
11. Ethan Hooker – 7.5/10
Hooker continued to show why he has become an important option on the wing. A contentious dangerous-tackle penalty against him eventually contributed to Ben Donaldson’s try, but otherwise he remained composed and effective throughout the match.
10. Handre Pollard – 5/10
It was an unusually quiet outing for Pollard. Two unsuccessful attempts to find touch early in the match summed up a performance in which the experienced fly-half struggled to influence proceedings as consistently as he normally does.
9. Herschel Jantjies – 5.5/10
Jantjies delivered a steady performance but never quite found the level of influence required to change the game. The difficulty South Africa’s pack had in establishing control also limited the scrum-half’s ability to dictate play.
8. Marco van Staden – 5/10
Van Staden struggled to make a significant impact during his 48 minutes on the field. He was replaced shortly after half-time as Jasper Wiese was introduced to provide additional physicality.
7. Elrigh Louw – 6.5/10
Louw was not at his best but remained effective in the physical exchanges. He carried strongly and worked hard defensively against an Australian side that maintained plenty of attacking pressure.
6. Paul de Villiers – 8.5/10
De Villiers was arguably the standout Springbok performer. He immediately made his presence felt at the breakdown, winning two turnover penalties with his opening touches.
His timing and decision-making at the contest remained a constant threat throughout the match. Even as Australia controlled large periods of the game, De Villiers continued to provide South Africa with valuable turnovers and defensive pressure.
5. Franco Mostert – 6/10
Making his first start since November 2025, Mostert was unable to produce his best performance. He did, however, contribute several important tackles before being replaced in the 48th minute.
4. Eben Etzebeth – 6.5/10
Etzebeth continued to provide his usual physical presence. He helped organise the lineout, made his tackles and carried effectively, although South Africa’s forwards struggled to impose themselves on the Australian pack.
3. Zachary Porthen – 6.5/10
Porthen worked hard around the field and remained active in the loose. Although the Springbok front row struggled to dominate the scrum battle, he contributed with his work rate and carries.
2. Johan Grobbelaar – 6.5/10
Grobbelaar had an inconsistent afternoon at lineout time, with some of his throws missing their mark. He made up for that to an extent by scoring a crucial try from the back of a driving maul.
1. Jan-Hendrik Wessels – 6.5/10
Wessels had a mixed outing. The Springbok front row struggled to gain dominance at scrum time, but he still made useful contributions through his carries and defensive work.
Bomb Squad makes late impact
Springbok replacements – 8/10
South Africa’s replacements significantly altered the momentum of the match.
With Australia having built a substantial lead, the Springboks appeared to be heading towards a heavy defeat. The introduction of the replacements brought greater physicality and intensity, allowing South Africa to dominate the closing stages.
The Wallabies suddenly found themselves under sustained pressure, with the Springboks eventually turning the contest into a race against the clock.
Despite their impressive late surge, South Africa could not complete the comeback before the final whistle.
The 42-38 defeat will therefore leave the Springboks reflecting on a match in which a poor start and inconsistent performance created too much ground to recover.
