Best Boks v Australia: Esterhuizen’s Strong Effort Spoiled

The defending champions exploded out of the blocks and raced into a 22-0 lead after 18 minutes, playing a fast and furious brand of rugby. It was high-octane stuff from South Africa as they spread the ball from side to side in an initially impressive attacking onslaught that had Tony Brown’s fingerprints all over it.

It slowly became apparent that the Boks had blown their load, however, as the Australians – who were written off beforehand – scored 38 unanswered points in one of the greatest comebacks of all time to record only their second-ever win at Ellis Park (the first since 1963) and their first victory on South African soil in 14 years.

Our top three Springbok standouts were:

Andre Esterhuizen

Esterhuizen hasn’t had a lot of luck in his international career, and that continued as arguably his best performance in the Green and Gold was spoiled by the implosion of the century.

Individually, though, the giant midfielder did himself justice filling in for the injured Damian de Allende, initially turning defence into attack with brutal hits before getting his hands on the ball and causing further havoc.

https://twitter.com/SSRugby/status/1956740908579234125

He scored his first Test try in what was his 21st appearance for the Boks, and made a barnstorming break in the 32nd minute, on top of his strong work rate, which saw him get involved in many battles and win most of them.

Overall, he beat two defenders, made two clean breaks and a Bok-best 73 metres from his 10 carries, while he made a backline-leading nine tackles, and won two turnovers.

Pieter-Steph du Toit

Du Toit is known for his superhuman engine, and that was on display as he covered every blade of grass in a tireless 80-minute performance.

He was a terror in the trams all evening, making a joint-team-high 14 carries, 63 metres – the most by a Bok forward – and had a classy try assist when he freed up Esterhuizen with an offload.

He was his usual busy self on defence as well, and produced two lineout steals, the first of which was particularly clutch as it was on the Boks’ 5m line.

Eben Etzebeth

There was no argy bargy between Etzebeth and big Will Skelton, which many fans had anticipated. Instead, it was a classic case of Etzebeth proving he’s so much more than just an enforcer.

The most-capped Bok ever’s value was immense, and his big handprints all over the park as he led South Africa in carries (14) and tackles (16). In addition to winning collisions, he demonstrated his unique ability for a lock to chase and retain box kicks, winning back two of Grant Williams’ pinpoint bombs.

On the flip side, he put Nic White under massive pressure at the rucks, and did a good job along with Du Toit disrupting Australia’s lineout, including making a steal in the 53rd minute.

It was another top wire-to-wire effort from Etzebeth, who took over the captaincy when Siya Kolisi departed five minutes into the second half, and showed he still has plenty to offer the Boks.