Ratings: Pollard completes incredible comeback for Springboks

It wasn’t a pretty performance by any stretch of the imagination, but the Springboks have made it to the World Cup final after a stunning Handre Pollard penalty took them to a 16-15 win.

Below we rate the standout Bok backs (*look out for another article on TheSouthAfrican.com where the forwards will be rated).

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Pollard stars among standout backs for the Springboks:

Handre Pollard (9/10)

The veteran flyhalf, who originally missed out on World Cup selection, stepped up as the hero on Saturday as he slotted a brilliant match-winning kick.

Pollard came on after 30 minutes, and used all his experience and class to guide the Springboks to victory in a match where England had done their best to take South Africa to the gutters.

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Faf de Klerk 8/10

Another stalwart who came on as a ‘bomb squad’ member, and played a key role in turning the game around.

He was calm, composed and added superb kicking from the base of the ruck to ensure the Springboks regained lost momentum.

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Damian de Allende 7/10

None of the starting backs really managed to get a foothold in the game, but De Allende was one player who added real physicality and momentum each time he received the ball.

He often popped up at first receiver, and his ability to get the team over the gainline was immense.

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Scorers:

Springboks 16 (6) – Try: RG Snyman. Conversion: Handre Pollard. Penalty goals: Manie Libbok, Pollard (2).

England 15 (12) – Penalty goals: Owen Farrell (4). Drop goal: Farrell.