Zippy's Player Ratings - Wales vs South Africa
By Zippy
November 21 2005
Player ratings for an improved Wales who still went down to a 33-16 defeat against a physical South African outfit on Saturday evening, for details read on.
15. Lee Byrne (6) – Improved performance and we have to remember it was his first start against one of the big guns, kicking is usually one of his big assets but a few loose ones.
14. Dafydd James (8) – I was amazed, he stepped up to the mark and looked hungry to take his surprise opportunity, rolled back the years.
13. Gareth Thomas (5) – At fault for one of the tries after flying up and missing his man, plays well for Toulouse at 13 so it could be worth our while persevering with him there as in attack he is a real asset.
12. Sonny Parker (4) – This is a bit harsh as in the main he was alright but when he gave away that try the game had gone really, I think Sweeney may come in here at Parker’s expense next weekend.
11. Shane Williams (7) – Bounced back to form with a great attacking display, on another day he would have scored a few and set up a few, what a difference a week makes! Does he still need a break though?
10. Stephen Jones (8) – Wales MOTM, solid as a rock and one of the few world class players we have fit at the minute.
9. Gareth Cooper (5) – Definite improvement on last week but his distribution needs to improve, I’d have Michael Phillips in next week.
8. Michael Owen (7) – Another who showed massive improvement, always in the thick of it and far more effective with a fly half who tells him to get out of the way, I’d like to see him back in the 2nd row but we don’t have another 8.
7. Martyn Williams (7) – Back to form and I may as well mention “That” try saving tackle on someone twice his size, not physical enough eh? Nugget is back.
6. Colin Charvis (6) – Stepped up with a big physical performance and won a lot of ball, I can see a big game coming from him next week.
5. Robert Sidoli (5) – Line out at 67% is not good enough in international rugby, his play around the park was good, still owes us performance next week.
4. Ian Gough (6) – Came in last minute and fronted up, not classy but a real worker, contributed in a decent Wales forward effort.
3. Chris Horsman (3) – Set piece good, worked hard in the tight, let everyone down with a stupid silly punch, could we world class if he sorts out his penalty count.
2. Rhys Thomas (4) – The youngster had a bit of a quiet game and I won’t mention the line out, oh for a hooker eh?
1. Duncan Jones (6) – Did a good job against the massive Van De Linde and worked hard, a bit out of form but never short on effort.
Subs Of Note:
Ceri Sweeney – Could be a “super sub” but I’d like to see him play
Overall Comments:
Wales restored pride with an improved performance that was not lacking in effort, without doubt we miss our top players but these players showed if they had been a bit smarter the game could have gone either way.
Ceri Sweeney must play next week as he could be the missing link in attack and free up the big runners behind.
Next week we can all be rightfully hopeful we’ll stick it up those Aussies!
South Africa Stars:
Back Row & 2nd Row – Awesome collection of massive players
Habana – Zoom!
Match Summary:
Wales: (6) 16
Try: Sweeney
Con: S Jones
Pens: S Jones (3)
South Africa: (11) 33
Tries: Habana (2), Jantjes, Rossouw
Cons: Bosman (2)
Pens: Montgomery (3)
Att: 73,418
Wales: Byrne; James, G. Thomas, Parker, S. Williams; S. Jones, Cooper; D. Jones, R. Thomas, Horsman, Gough, Sidoli, Charvis, M. Williams, Owen.
Replacements: Sweeney for Byrne (53), Watkins for Parker (61), M. Davies for R. Thomas (65), Phillips for Cooper (70), A. Jones for Charvis (60).
Not Used: J. Thomas, Evans.
Sin bin: Horsman (53).
South Africa: Montgomery; Jantjes, Fourie, de Villiers, Habana; Bosman, Claassens; Sephaka, Smit, van der Linde, Botha, Matfield, Burger, Smith, Cronje.
Replacements: Russell for Jantjes (75), Barry for de Villiers (75), du Randt for Sephaka (36), Rossouw for Botha (70).
Not Used: Shimange, van den Berg, Conradie.
Sin bin: Montgomery (51).
Sent off: Montgomery (71).