Willie le Roux Edgy on occasion at first but grew in confidence along with his team. 7 out of 10

Cheslin Kolbe Needlessly yellow-carded in first half and was well shepherded by the Lions defence. 7

Lukhanyo Am Got the vital try - just - and exemplified the Boks’ aggressive defence. 8

Damian de Allende Powerful in defence, working tirelessly with Am as his team steadily won the collisions. 8

Makazole Mapimpi Superb catch from Pollard’s chip to put his team ahead early in the second half. 8

Handre Pollard Missed two kicks at goal, but was on target with six, and his kicking from hand was close to perfection. 8

Faf de Klerk Read the game extremely well and was a vital part of his team’s victory. 9

Steven Kitshoff A solid outing by the loosehead on his 50th cap. 8

Bongi Mbonambi Fearsome presence in the loose as well as in the scrum. 8

Frans Malherbe Caused problems for Vunipola in the front row. 8

Eben Etzebeth Commanding presence in the lineout as his team turned last week’s display on its head. 8

Franco Mostert Excellent work in the loose and in the lineout. 8

Siya Kolisi The captain led magnificently, denying Henshaw a try late in the first half. 9

Pieter-Steph du Toit Injured early on and struggled thereafter before going off midway through the first half. 6

Jasper Wiese Committed the odd error but combined well with the other loose forwards. 7

Best of the rest:

Kwagga Smith Replacement for Du Toit. 7 

Lood de Jager Vital second-half sub who shored up South Africa’s defence. 8