Cheslin Kolbe hails Springboks trio who ‘don’t get the credit they deserve’ ahead of ‘massive’ challenge against Ireland

Springboks flyer Cheslin Kolbe is fully focused on Saturday’s eagerly anticipated clash with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, a venue where he has not tasted success.

South Africa will be in a confident mood as they have shown good form to register superb victories over Japan (61-7), France (32-17) and Italy (32-14) during their Autumn Nations Series campaign so far.

However, despite this fine form, Ireland will fancy their chances of beating the Springboks as they have held the upper hand against the world champions in recent years, winning six of the last 10 matches between the sides.

Andy Farrell’s charges won the last match between these nations, in Durban in 2024, which secured them a deserved 1-1 series draw in South Africa and the Boks last beat them in Dublin in 2012.

Kolbe emphasised the importance of the Boks capitalising on their point-scoring opportunities this weekend and admitted that their inability to make the most of their chances in the last outing between the teams in Dublin in 2022 proved costly as Ireland eventually sealed a narrow 19-16 win.

‘You would obviously love to win every match’

“Whichever team you play for, especially for the Springboks, you would obviously love to win every match,” he said. “Personally, I haven’t won here (in Dublin).

“We came close in 2022, but we didn’t capitalise on a few opportunities and shots at goal, and that definitely cost us.

“It would obviously be massive for the team, for our growth, and the way we want to move forward (if we can get the result), but our focus is on trying to ensure that we train as well as we can this week, and that we’re confident going into the weekend so we can play a good game of rugby.”

Kolbe added: “Whether we’ve played against them in South Africa, here (in Ireland) or on neutral ground, it’s always been 50/50 games, so we must implement what we want to do and what the coaches have set out for us this weekend, and also be able to adapt to the scenarios that play out on the field.

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“Matches between SA and Ireland are always massive, so it’s going to be as physical as it can get. They are a well-coached team, with a good structure to their game, so if you’re not up for it on the day, they can definitely hurt you.”

Meanwhile, Kolbe had special words of praise for his three team-mates, Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Pieter-Steph du Toit, who were all nominated for the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year award. He said it was an indication of how well the Boks forwards have performed this year.

‘They don’t get the credit they deserve’

“I’m very excited for them,” he said. “All three of them are forwards, which says a lot about what we’ve done throughout the year. They don’t get the credit they deserve, so well done to them.”

Kolbe believes the aerial contest will be crucial in the grander scheme of things this weekend in Dublin and he expects a tough battle in that department. “Overall, rugby has changed a lot. Kicking has become a big weapon for all the teams,” he added.

“Having watched their game last weekend (against Australia), their kicking game has definitely improved, and they’ve been capitalising quite a lot on getting into the air. They have been more desperate than other teams to win those opportunities.”

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