Interesting game. The Boks certainly deserved the win, but it wasn't the "smashing" that some Boks supporters had predicted (though perhaps could have been had South Africa kept up their momentum, and Morne Steyn had kicked a few more goals...).
The Boks again dominated up front for much of the match (though Cole caused Mtawarira some problems at scrum time later in the game). du Plessis was strong, and Etzebeth showed how he belonged in test rugby (not that there was ever any doubt!). Marler doesn't look quite ready for test rugby to me, but I quite like the look of Parling, who seems to be a very solid player (not convinced on Botha though). Alberts had a couple of good runs, but in general was much quieter than last week, and also missed a couple of tackles. Coetzee looked good again, but I actually think Spies was the pick of the loose trio this week. He was great in the lineout, did a lot of work at the breakdown, and made a number of strong runs. Robshaw had another busy game, but I thought he missed far too many tackles (which is very unusual for him). Johnson was solid again. Morgan made a few good runs, but was generally pretty quiet, while similarly Waldrom made a number of strong runs when he came on, but did make a few basic errors. I really feel England are lacking in strong ball runners in their pack: for the last two weeks only two players have consistently made it past the advantage line with ball in hand: Morgan and Waldrom, and given they are both 8's haven't been on the field at the same time. In contrast South Africa have had numerous forwards who have been able to create go-forward ball for the team - du Plessis, Etzebeth, Coetzee, Alberts, Spies - which has meant creating go-forward ball for their backs has been much easier! Not sure what the solution is for England, but they really need to get some strong ball runners in their pack in my opinion.
Hougaard had a much better game that last week, but Steyn was poor - not only with his goal-kicking, but with his general play kicking. Not sure what the issue is with Steyns kicking. I remember watching him practicing goal-kicking before Highlanders v Bulls match in Dunedin: he placed the ball on the goal-line 5m from the corner flag, then aimed at the nearest post. It was phenomenal watching him, because about 50% of the time he actual hit the single upright he was aiming at, while the rest of the time he was at most 2-3 metres away. In contrast the reserve goal-kicker (not sure who it was) wasn't even getting close to hitting the posts. During the match however, Steyn missed a number of easy shots at goal: obviously something is very different in match situation than at practice (pressure?).
Youngs was better than last week, but still had a very mixed game. He was involved in all three of Englands tries (scoring 2 and taking the quick tap to setup the other), but his distribution and option taking remains questionable. Tuilagi was solid at 12, as was Joseph at 13, though he didn't get many chances. Ben Foden looked dangerous at times for England, but the only outside back that really stood out for me from either team was Pieterson. He hasn't really impressed me all season, but he was outstanding all game: brilliant on attack, and solid in defense. I wasn't sure of his position in the team leading up to this match, but he looks to have secured it for a while longer with that display!
