The new-look Springbok side blanked Italy 45-0 in the second and final Test between the sides to clinch a 2-0 series win on Saturday night.
The Springboks combined physical dominance and structure with finesse and exciting innovation to outscored the ever-improving Azzurri seven tries to none in front of a packed and vocal crowd.
The match was veteran fullback Willie le Roux’s 100th Test for the Springboks, while all three debutants – Cobus Wiese, Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Ethan Hooker – named on the bench came on to earn their first cap in the second half.
So as the Springbok juggernaut rolls on, here are some key player ratings based on today’s individual performance:
Flurry of tries, multi-dimensional, ball retention. Started match unconventionally, but clear intentions. High intensity. Springboks showing off versatility of their game and personnel as well.
WHO FIRED TODAY
Andre Esterhuizen 9/10
Tasked with scrumming down on the side of the scrum from early in the first half, Esterhuizen did so with aplomb. As he has done before, the centre took the positional switch in his stride and didn’t look out of place for a second. He played the role of flanker to perfection today.
Edwill van der Merwe 8/10
Featuring in his first Test since suffering that horrid injury last year, Van der Merwe also looked the part. The winger was full of running and at his line-breaking best. The fleet-footed Springbok was rewarded with two tries for his efforts.
Grant Williams 8/10
With Williams at scrumhalf, this Springbok team looked a different prospect altogether. His speed of pass (in open play and off the base of the ruck and scrum) and speed with ball in hand are just some of his capabilities that makes him the clear-cut back-up scrumhalf behind Faf de Klerk.
Marco van Staden 8/10
Van Staden is another who had to switched positions mid-game as he moved from flank to eighthman. On show today was his high work-load, which included fantastic tackling and superb contesting at the breakdown. His powerful carries were also a sight to behold.
WHO FLOPPED FOR THE SPRINGBOKS
Jasper Wiese 5/10
For all his excellence on the rugby field, Jasper Wiese sometimes does exceptionally daft things. He was red carded as early as the 22nd minute for a clear head-butt. And while his thuggish behaviour may not have proved costly for the Springboks today, it could have major repercussions against better opposition in more significant games. He needs a stern talking to after this stunt.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE MOMENT FROM TODAY’S SPRINGBOKS TEST?
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