Pieter-Steph du Toit Dominates: Player Ratings for New Zealand vs South Africa Match

New Zealand v South Africa Player Ratings: Pieter-Steph du Toit Delivers Brutal Masterclass

Introduction

In a thrilling Rugby World Cup final, South Africa emerged victorious over New Zealand, securing their record fourth Webb Ellis Trophy. The match showcased intense physicality, skill, and determination from both sides. While New Zealand’s Beauden Barrett scored the sole try of the match, it was South Africa’s Pieter-Steph du Toit who stood out with a masterclass in legal brutality. This report will provide a detailed analysis of the player ratings for both teams, highlighting the performances that shaped the outcome of the game.

New Zealand Player Ratings

Backline Performance

Beauden Barrett, despite spilling the ball in the second half, managed to score a crucial try for New Zealand. However, his overall performance was only rated 6/10, failing to make a significant impact. Will Jordan, on the other hand, struggled to find space and lost possession multiple times, resulting in a rating of 5/10. Rieko Ioane faced a tough challenge from the Springboks’ defense and was forced into touch by Kurt-Lee Arendse, earning a rating of 6/10. Jordie Barrett showcased his versatility as a carrier and playmaker, pulling off miraculous try-saving tackles and stepping in at flanker, earning a commendable rating of 8/10. Mark Tele’a was exceptional in his ability to seize the game, fizzing around the fringes and offloading for a try, deserving of a rating of 9/10. Richie Mo’unga faced aerial targeting but displayed resilience, contributing to crucial tackles and a superb run, although missing a vital conversion, resulting in a rating of 7/10.

Forward Performance

Aaron Smith, in his final All Blacks appearance, exhibited superb organization skills at scrum-half, earning a rating of 8/10. Ethan de Groot proved robust in the tight and showcased his skills with a neat no-look pass to Shannon Frizell, earning a rating of 8/10. Codie Taylor, after a tricky start with throwing, displayed remarkable mobility and determination to lift the team, resulting in a rating of 8/10. Tyrel Lomax played an integral role in the mauling effort and resisted the Springboks’ scrummaging initially, earning a rating of 8/10. Brodie Retallick dominated the line-out, tormented opponents, and demonstrated immense work rate, deserving of a rating of 9/10. Scott Barrett’s line-out smarts and mobility were vital for New Zealand after Sam Cane’s red card, earning a rating of 8/10. Shannon Frizell, despite a yellow card, returned with piercing carries and displayed strength, earning a rating of 7/10. Sam Cane, unfortunately, faced early dismissal after a dangerous tackle, leaving New Zealand with a daunting task and earning a low rating of 3/10. Ardie Savea, a standout player and leader, inspired New Zealand with his intensity, earning a deserved rating of 9/10.

Replacements

The replacements for New Zealand played their part in trying to secure a remarkable victory. Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, and Nepo Laulala showcased their strength in the last scrum, coming close to overpowering the Springboks. The impactful performances of Sam Whitelock, Dalton Papali’i, Finlay Christie, Damian McKenzie, and Anton Lienert-Brown were evident throughout the game, even though the win eluded them. Overall, the replacements played a significant role, earning a rating of 8/10.

South Africa Player Ratings

Backline Performance

Damian Willemse displayed improved high ball work compared to the semi-final and showcased his skills as a runner, albeit missing a crucial pass to Kurt-Lee Arendse for Beauden Barrett’s try, earning a rating of 7/10. Kurt-Lee Arendse’s exceptional cover tackle on Rieko Ioane demonstrated his defensive prowess, but unfortunately, he failed to ground Willemse’s grubber, resulting in a rating of 7/10. Jesse Kriel, apart from being on the receiving end of Sam Cane’s red card, struggled to make an impact and was unable to contribute significantly, earning a rating of 5/10. Damian de Allende displayed honest, hard running but lacked the spark of his New Zealand counterpart, earning a rating of 6/10. Cheslin Kolbe, despite a deliberate knock-on that left him distraught, showcased his ability to punch above his weight with a monster tackle on Will Jordan, earning a rating of 6/10. Handré Pollard’s accurate kicking from the tee proved decisive for South Africa, although he was unable to fully unleash the Springbok backline, earning a rating of 7/10. Faf de Klerk, the energetic scrum-half, constantly pressed the All Blacks and made a crucial late tap tackle, earning a rating of 7/10.

Forward Performance

Steven Kitshoff provided solidity in the scrum and was among the leading tacklers for South Africa before being replaced, earning a rating of 7/10. Bongi Mbonambi, despite unfortunate injury exit, showed promise before his departure, earning a rating of 6/10. Frans Malherbe engaged in a superb scrummaging contest against Tyrel Lomax, displaying defensive prowess as well, earning a rating of 7/10. Eben Etzebeth, after a quiet showing in the semi-final, made an impact with his strong carries, but struggled with lineouts, earning a rating of 7/10. Franco Mostert’s tireless work in the pack and his high tackle count made him an unsung hero, although he made one handling error, earning a rating of 7/10. Siya Kolisi had a mixed performance, excelling in the first half, but enduring a poor start to the second with a missed try opportunity and a yellow card, earning a rating of 5/10. Pieter-Steph du Toit delivered a relentless masterclass in legal brutality, consistently driving the All Blacks backwards, earning a rating of 9/10. Duane Vermeulen showcased strength and determination as a carrier, making crucial yards and providing a key turnover, earning a rating of 8/10.

Replacements

The replacements for South Africa failed to replicate the impact they had against England in the semi-finals. Dean Fourie’s throwing fell apart, leaving the Springboks in a precarious position. Ox Nche, RG Snyman, Jean Kleyn, Kwagga Smith, Trevor Nyakane, Willie Le Roux, and Jasper Wiese did not manage to leave a significant mark on the game, resulting in a rating of 5/10.

Conclusion

The Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa showcased the exceptional talent and determination of both teams. While New Zealand’s Beauden Barrett scored the only try of the match, it was South Africa’s Pieter-Steph du Toit who delivered a brutal masterclass, consistently driving the All Blacks backwards. The performances of each player were crucial in shaping the outcome of the game, from Sam Cane’s early dismissal to Ardie Savea’s inspiring leadership for New Zealand, and from Handré Pollard’s accurate kicking to Pieter-Steph du Toit’s relentless physicality for South Africa. In the end, South Africa emerged as deserving champions, securing their record fourth World Cup title.

Editorial and Advice

The Rugby World Cup final showcased the intensity and excitement that this sport brings. As fans and spectators, it is important to appreciate the skill, determination, and sportsmanship displayed by the players on the field. The exceptional performances of individuals such as Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ardie Savea should serve as inspiration for aspiring rugby players and remind us all of the values of hard work, dedication, and teamwork. This match also highlights the importance of discipline and composure, as demonstrated by Sam Cane’s red card, which significantly impacted New Zealand’s chances of victory.

Looking ahead, both teams should be commended for their outstanding efforts throughout the tournament. New Zealand, despite falling short in the final, showcased their ability to compete at the highest level, while South Africa demonstrated their exceptional talent and physicality. It is essential for both teams to use this experience as a springboard for future success and continue working on their strengths and weaknesses to remain competitive in international rugby.

Furthermore, the coaches and management staff should analyze the performance of each player in detail and provide constructive feedback to facilitate their development. This process will enable the teams to identify areas of improvement and continue nurturing young talent for future tournaments. The competitive spirit displayed in the final should serve as a motivation for all players to push their boundaries and strive for excellence in their respective careers.

Overall, the New Zealand v South Africa Rugby World Cup final was a captivating encounter. The individual performances showcased the immense talent in international rugby, leaving fans in awe and anticipation for future competitions.