Springboks Player Ratings: Who FIRED, Who FLOPPED
The Springboks got their 2025 season off to the perfect start with a 54-7 win over the Barbarians on Saturday.
The Springboks demolished the Barbarians 54-7 at the DHL Stadium on Saturday, 28 June 2025.
Rassie Eramus and the Boks have plenty to celebrate following their resounding performance en route to claiming their thir successive Qatar Cup. These are the players who stood out as well as a couple of stars who were slightly underwhelming.
Lood de Jager – 9/10
Lood hasn't missed a step despite not playing for the Springboks in almost two years. The lanky Bok lock made countlies huge carries, getting over the advantage line at ease. He was also astute defensively and a solid line-out option for the Springboks.
Vincent Tshitshuka – 8.5
What a debut. The elusive Sharks flanker scored two tries to cap off a well-rounded performance in his first Springboks test. Tshitshuka agility and skills were on full display. Meanwhile, he was a solid third choice in the line-out.
Kurt-Lee Arendse – 8
Welcome back, Arendse. The speedy and skilful Springboks winger reminded the Bulls and SA Rugby what we have been missing since he left for Japan. Arendse finished off a beautiful well-worked team try in the corner and was a constant threat with ball in hand. He beat defenders at will with his fleet-footed stepping and lightning speed.
Cheslin Kolbe – 9
The 2024 SA Rugby Player of the Year reminded us all why he was given awarded this honour. Kolbe was one of the stand-out Boks. His try in the corner was just the start of what was another world class display from Kolbe. He was excellent in the air dominating the aerial battle in wet conditions. Kolbe was perfect defensively, putting in one solid hit after the other. He added memorable bounce off on Ricky Riccitelli in the second half and was a threat all afternoon.
*Please note that these players did not pay badly at all. They were just not as exceptional as the rest of the pack in what was a comprehensive display and dominance Springboks performance.
Jean Kleyn – 6/10
He did not do much wrong but he was certainly overshadowed by his Bok lock team mate, Lood. Kleyn struggled to get over the advantage line or to make dominant tackles. He was solid at line out time and did what he needed to but did not stand out.
Morne van den Berg – 6.5/10
He provided quick delivery from the base of the ruck. However, he certainly did not knock the selection door down and was outplayed by his replacement, Cobus Reinach.
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