Wiese, Du Toit, Nortje do hard yards as Boks scrape home against Argentina

The Springboks got over the line at Twickenham to win the Rugby Championship back-to-back for the first time, but they were not overly impressive in beating Argentina 29-27.

Here’s how the players rated

15. Damian Willemse – 6. Spilled a pass from Pieter-Steph. There was some nifty hot-stepping, but overall, his performance was reasonable without the lights being shot out.

14. Cheslin Kolbe – 4. Shocking mistake in throwing a reckless pass to gift the Pumas a try that got them back in the game. His costly brain implosions, two weeks in a row, are a worry.

13. Canan Moodie — 3. Silly yellow card after he went too upright into a tackle. He gave away another penalty that cost his team three points. He was lucky not to get a second yellow (and thus red) for slapping down a pass.

12. Damian de Allende — 6. He was lucky to get away with a clumsy clearance after dropping the ball in his 22. Otherwise, a solid game from the anchor in the backline.

11. Ethan Hooker — 8. Whatever opportunity he gets, he goes 110 percent. He is one of those wings that continually look for work rather than park off out wide.

10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – 6. He had some good breaks, only to execute poorly thereafter. He overcooked a kick when the Boks were looking dangerous to release the pressure.

9. Cobus Reinach — 7.5. A half-hearted cover tackle resulted in the Pumas’ first try. A too ambitious long pass to Marx went over his head and into touch. Well-taken try just before half-time, and he nailed a beauty in the second half.

8. Jasper Wiese — 8. Once more, he was the epitome of industry. One of the hardest workers in the team.

7. Pieter-Steph du Toit – 8.5. Mr Reliable keeps on turning up, week after week, playing the whole match. He is literally a tower of strength.

6. Siya Kolisi – 7. The captain had a solid game. His breakdown work was excellent.

5. Ruan Nortje – 8. He is probably the Springbok success story of the season. His hunger and commitment are an example for youngsters who aspire to play for their country. Superb lineout steals at crucial times.

4. Eben Etzebeth – 8. Strong close-quarter defence from the giant. He pinched some Pumas lineout throws and was colossal in the tight-loose.

3. Thomas du Toit — 7.5. Scrummed powerfully once more and got around the park in cover derfence.

2. Malcolm Marx – 8. Wonderful finish in the corner off the back of a maul for his 26th Test try. And he was hugely powerful in nailing his 27th.

1. Ox Nché – 8.5. The loosehead tormented his opposite number in the set scrums. So powerful yet again.

Notable replacements

Jan-Hendrik Wessels — 3. The poor guy had a shocker, giving away penalty after penalty to get Argentina back into the game. He has learned that playing like a headless chicken is costly to the team.

Wilco Louw — 9. Came on and won a scrum penalty immediately. He won three more in an unbelievable display.

Kwagga Smith — 8. He continues to be the ultimate impact player.