In stark contrast to last weekend, the arrival of the Springboks substitutions against the British and Irish Lions in Pretoria on Saturday seemed to tip the match in their favour and help them secure a truly memorable 28-25 win.

The touring Lions came out of the blocks like a house on fire this weekend and, for much of the match, looked set to level up the series ahead of the big clash at Coca-Cola Park next weekend. Somehow though the Springboks dug deep and found the win.

Inspired by the arrival of Heinrich Brüssow and Morné Steyn with 20 minutes to go, the South African finally found their rhythm in the final quarter of the game and secured the victory with the final kick of the game.

Steyn, a favourite of the Loftus Versfeld faithful, could not have wished for a better spell on the pitch. Having heard the crowd call for his entry into the game, the young No.10, along with an increasing better Springbok team, edged Peter De Villiers men over the line and to a 2-0 lead in the series.

Overall is was a brutal international clash of the highest order with the visitors exposing the home side for much of the fixture before the hosts themselves found another gear and did just enough to clinch the win. A fantastic game for all to enjoy - respect was certainly well earned by both sides this weekend.

Pete Murison rates the Springbok players…

South Africa:

15 Frans Steyn:
Showed some good maturity and was a composed presence at the back for the Springboks. Pitched in with a long range penalty kick as well and, in the second half, enjoyed some more opportunities to run with the ball. 8/10.

14 JP Pietersen:
A committed performance from the Sharks wing and ran a great line for his try and finished well with blistering speed. 7/10

13 Adi Jacobs:
A better performance in the second half but was poor in the first. Picked on by the Lions runners and came up short. Couple of poor attempted off-loads as well which didn't come off for him. 5/10

12 Jean de Villiers:
Replaced 15 minutes into the second half after another frustrating day at the office. Little chance to show his attacking ability. 5/10

11 Bryan Habana:
The Bulls flyer showed his quality with his brilliant finish for a vital try for the Springboks in the second half. More than that though his work on defence, with a number of big hits, helped his sides cause. 7/10

10 Ruan Pienaar:
The talented flyhalf failed to show any real control of the game and was also let down by his goal kicking on the day. 4/10

9 Fourie du Preez:
Created the try for JP Pietersen with a great little run at the back of a lineout. Always in the right position, especially covering at the back - so important to this team. 7/10

8 Pierre Spies:
Two or three memorable runs but struggled in the first half to combat the dynamic Lions looseforwards. 5/10

7 Juan Smith:
Non-existent for much of the match. Usually a powerful carrier and big player for the Springboks he will be disappointed with his contribution to the team effort on the day. 4/10

6 Schalk Burger:
It is very hard to look past his yellow card. From the television replay it look horrific and could see him in a whole lot of trouble if he is found guilty.  Struggled to dominate the breakdown against a determined Lions pack and gave away a silly penalty in the final 10 minutes which could so easily have cost his side the game. Not the 50th test he was hoping for! 2/10

5 Victor Matfield:
The master of the lineout, Matfield worked impressively all around his beloved Loftus Versfeld on Saturday and grew into the game as it went on. 7/10

4 Bakkies Botha:
The powerful second row had an almight battle in the engine room and while most of his fellow forwards came up short for much of the contest he stood strong throughout. Very surprising to see him substituted with 20 minutes left. 8/10

3 John Smit (captain):
The captain, along with his fellow front row forwards, struggled to match the 'beefed up' Lions tight five. Just about held his own at scrum time but the tourists pack clearly had the upper hand before uncontested scrums were introduced. 5/10

2 Bismarck du Plessis:
A brain explosion saw du Plessis take a quick tap penalty from a kickable position but otherwise his second half performance around the park was impressive. Struggled along with his pack for the first 50 minutes but a couple important steals late in the game. 6/10

1 Tendai Mtawarira:
Man-of-the-match last weekend, 'the Beast' struggled to match Adam Jones at scrum time and was far less influential in the loose play than he normally is. 5/10

Replacements:

16 Chiliboy Ralepelle:
Not enough time to be rated.

17 Deon Carstens:
Not enough time to be rated.

18 Andries Bekker: (On for Botha on 58 minutes)
Penalised a couple of times, once for a high tackle, Bekker offers a great lineout option but still does not have the presence of Botha. 6/10

19 Danie Rossouw: (On for Juan Smith on 58 minutes.)
Injured shortly after arriving on the pitch - Not enough time to be rated.

20 Heinrich Brüssow: (On for Rossouw on 61 minutes.)
The livewire flank took control of the breakdown immediately after coming on to the pitch. One monsterous tackle on Shane Williams as well and provided the quick pass to Jacque Fourie for the vital late try. 9/10

21 Jaque Fourie (On for De Villiers on 55 minutes.)
Simply brilliant finish in the corner. There was some doubt for a second but it looked good on the television replay and is a great credit to the Golden Lions star. Powerful, determined and experienced, what a man to bring off the bench. 8/10

22 Morné Steyn: (On for Pienaar on 60 minutes.)
Took control of the game - the Springboks just look a better side with him dictating from No.10. His kicking, both the conversion and the penalty, is what will grab the headlines but his general play too was hugely impressive. 10/10

What do you think? Do you agree with Pete? Let us know...

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