Cheslin Kolbe ruled fit for final
South Africa were given a boost ahead of Saturday’s Rugby World Cup Final against England after Cheslin Kolbe was ruled fit for the clash in Yokohama.
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed on Tuesday that the right wing has recovered from injury and will be available for selection.
Kolbe has been struggling with an ankle injury sustained during the Boks’ pool match against Italy on October 4.
Although the 26-year-old played during South Africa’s quarter-final win over Japan, his injury ruled him out of the semi-final win over Wales and he was replaced by Sbu Nkosi.
Erasmus confirmed, however, that the 26-year-old has recovered and that all the players in his 31-man squad are fully fit.
“We are lucky enough to have a full squad of all 31 players available and ready to train today,” he said.
#PictureJournal Entry 21:
⚡️ Cheslin back at work
🏉 Team looking slick
🏆 One win away#StrongerTogether #RWC2019 #RWCFinal #WebbEllisCup pic.twitter.com/m4zNN0qGTa— Springboks (@Springboks) October 29, 2019
Meanwhile, England full-back Elliot Daly believes Kolbe’s return to South Africa’s starting line-up will boost their attacking options.
“I have played against him a couple of times in Europe, he is a good player with very good feet,” said Daly.
“He is one of their X-factor players and they will look to get him the ball as much as possible,” he added.
“I don’t think it will change their structure too much, but they will probably just try to give him the ball in space a bit more.”