PLAYER RATINGS: Super-charged debutants lead the way for Springboks
South Africa put in a ruthless display to wear down the spirited Lelos on their way to a commanding 45-point win. The result sees South Africa maintain their perfect start to the Test season with a third consecutive victory and also keep their 100% record in Mbombela in tact.
So as the Springbok juggernaut rolls on, here are some key player ratings based on today's individual performances:
All scores out of 10
Marnus van der Merwe 9
What a debut for the Scarlets-based No 2. The hooker earned his first Springbok cap today and he made the most of the opportunity. The 28-year-old bagged two tries from the back of the maul in front of his home crowd to make his Test debut even more memorable.
Boan Venter 8
Another one of the three debutants today, who didn't look an inch out of place. The prop was solid across the park. And while the Springboks' front row did concede a couple of penalties with him on the field, that was to be expected against the Georgians.
Ruan Nortje 8/10
Nortje was voted as the official Man of the Match and deservedly so. He went to the trenches today and covered almost every blade of grass on that field. World class performance from the Bulls man.
Handre Pollard 8
With Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu struggling through the game, Pollard came on and showed once again why he is the Springboks' first-choice flyhalf. The two-time World Cup winner knocked over all his kicks at goal and capped off another fine outing with a try and a try-assist.
Edwill van der Merwe 7
The winger just continues to try-scoring exploits at the highest level. He crossed for two touchdowns against the Lelos to make it five tries in three Test starts for the Springboks.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu 5
It wasn't exactly a disaster-class, but the young playmaker must do better if he wants to usurp Pollard at No 10. Feinberg-Mngomezulu had a couple of fine touches in open play, showing glimpses of his attacking prowess. But his inaccurate goal-kicking left much to be desired.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE MOMENT FROM TODAY'S SPRINGBOKS TEST?
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