The Springboks will be disappointed after going down 8-19 to the All Blacks in Tri-Nations action in Wellington on Saturday. This is how they rated on the night.

(15) Conrad Jantjes: Started nervously with a knock-on in his own 22, but recovered well and looked good under the high ball. He lacks Percy Montgomery's kicking game and experience, however. 7

(14) Odwa Ndungane: Acquitted himself well on defence, but didn't really have enough opportunity to stretch his legs. 6

(13) Adrian Jacobs: Everybody was worried about his defence, but he didn't let his team down. Did okay on attack, releasing Jean de Villiers in the build-up to Habana's try. Needs to back himself more. 6

(12) Jean de Villiers: Outshone his opposite number on attack, but Nonu's clean break in the 57th minute left their battle fairly even. Did wonderfully well to free Habana for his try. 7

(11) Bryan Habana: Brilliant on attack, tried to get involved all the time and took his try well. Made a try-saving tackle on Rudi Wulf in the first half and saved a late Dan Carter try, too. 8

(10) Butch James: A disappointing night all round for SA's World Cup-winning number ten. He started well enough, but his discipline was a bit like Butch James of old, hence his poor showing. 5

(9) Ricky Januarie: A tigerish display from SA's little scrumhalf. He was all over his opposite number Andy Ellis and tackled manfully. It needs to be said, however, that the Boks missed Fourie du Preez's educated boot. 8

(8) Joe van Niekerk: Peter de Villiers took a gamble by selecting the experienced Lions No.8 ahead of Spies and Kankowski. Sadly, it didn't work out. 5

(7) Juan Smith: Smith had his moments, but was, by and large, kept in check by the All Blacks. 6

(6) Schalk Burger: Another terrific display from SA's premier loose forward. He has not played a full match since picking up a knee injury in the Super 14. You wouldn't have guessed it though... 8

(5) Victor Matfield: Another World Cup-winning star to disappoint. Didn't quite boss the line-outs as had been expected. 5

(4) Bakkies Botha: He got stuck in early on, but didn't quite overpower Brad Thorn and co. up front. 6

(3) CJ van der Linde: He battled in the scrums against Woodcock, before being replaced after taking a hand-off to the face. 5

(2) John Smit: Limped off in the 38th minute — his loss was a bitter blow to the Springboks and they will be hopeful over his fitness for next week. A wonderful leader and player. 7

(1) Gürthro Steenkamp: Didn't quite have his usual impact in the loose and battled in the scrums. 5

Replacements used: Bismark du Plessis (38th minute for Smit - 7), Brian Mujati (47th minute for Van der Linde — 6), Andries Bekker (69th minute for Matfield — not on for long enough to be rated*), Luke Watson (59th minute for Van Niekerk - 6), Bolla Conradie (73rd minute for Januarie — not on for long enough to be rated*), Frans Steyn (59th minute for James — 6), Percy Montgomery (63rd minute for Jantjes — not on for long enough to be rated*).

* Only replacements on for longer than 20 minutes rated.

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