Captain Siya Kolisi led the charge as the power and precision of the Springboks propelled them to a series-levelling 27-9 win over the British & Irish Lions at Cape Town Stadium at the weekend, writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.
In a real rumble in the jungle, it was the world champions who finished strong this time around, delivering a dominant second-hand performance to set up a winner-takes-all showdown at the same venue this Saturday. In the spirit of the Olympic Games, these players grabbed gold, silver and bronze for their respective teams:
Siya Kolisi
As the leader of the team, Kolisi carried the brunt of the hopes of a nation on his shoulders and responded with his greatest stand to date. A truly talismanic performance, the passion, work rate and supreme determination of which were perfectly summed up by his try-saving intervention in the first half.
Denying Robbie Henshaw that try over the line was a major moment and shone a spotlight on the hard yards Kolisi put in and has put in on so many occasions that often went underappreciated. The personification of controlled carnage, he led the defensive effort, not only making a team-high 14 tackles but key plays as well, not just the aforementioned try-stopper but an excellently-timed hit that led to a counter-ruck as well.
Lukhanyo Am
How fitting that the man earmarked as Kolisi’s successor as Springbok captain also stood up in a major way. A midfield marvel, he was immense on both sides of the ball. His positioning, organisation and reliability on defence were on display. So, too, was his nuanced handling skills and vision on attack, the latter seeing him dot down a crucial try just in the nick of time. Finally, the added value he brings to the table was also evident – the machine-like efficiency that seemingly makes him immune to mistakes.
Makazole Mapimpi
Not a flawless performance by the flyer, but more than made up for the penalties he conceded with his terrifically-taken try. As much as the mentality of the world champions under Rassie Erasmus and now Jacques Nienaber is about physical dominance, it’s equally about output – fighting for every inch in every play. Mapimpi epitomized that philosophy in his Man of the Match performance, regaining balls in the air, winning a turnover on the deck, making an excellent clearance kick and scoring that stunning opening try that started the avalanche.
Alun Wyn Jones
Mr Blood, Sweat and Tears. Like Kolisi, the Welsh warhorse gave his absolute all. Bleeding from the nose and ear, he was battered and bruised but unbroken as he relentlessly and gallantly continued to climb into the powerful Springbok pack. Rocky-type resolve without the reward on the night. Immense all-round, the British & Irish Lions captain led by example in an age-defying display that included eight carries and a team-high 14 tackles.
Robbie Henshaw
Heavily involved, from strong carries and dynamic defence to contesting in the air and oh so nearly scoring after collecting Conor Murray’s deft chip. Few have the physical and mental strength along with the conditioning to withstand the endless barrage of big Damian de Allende, so for the Irish midfielder to shore up his channel (making all 11 of his backline-best tackles) and make a team-high 27 metres in six carries is a hard-earned feather in his cap.
Courtney Lawes
Like most of the British & Irish Lions, he wasn’t as prolific as he was in the series opener but his second-row size and physicality and back-row energy and mobility aided the tourists on all fronts. The regular England lock showed his lineout prowess by poaching a Springbok throw-in in his 22 in the 23rd minute, featured prominently in the rucks and mauls and outworked all but his captain with five carries and nine tackles in the No.6 jersey.
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