Ex-Springbok: Cheslin Kolbe has ‘changed everyone’s mindset’ in rugby
Cheslin Kolbe in action for the Springboks and former wing Odwa Ndungane.
Former Springboks speedster Odwa Ndungane has put Cheslin Kolbe at the “top” of his list of modern day greats after defying the trend of current wings.
Despite certain coaches claiming that he was too small to succeed at the highest level, Rassie Erasmus gave him his Test debut in 2018 and it proved to be a masterstroke.
Kolbe has since become a key part of the South African set-up and helped them to successive Rugby World Cup triumphs, including scoring in the 2019 showpiece against England in Japan.
While there remains a focus on size and height, including out wide where the removal of the ‘escort’ law has placed a bigger emphasis on the kick-chase, the 32-year-old has shown there is still space for smaller wings.
Changing the game?
In fact, Kolbe may well be changing the game with Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe two other shorter back three players to star for the Springboks.
“Cheslin has to be up top. First of all, how he’s changed everyone’s mindset. For you to be a very good rugby player, you needed size and height, which obviously both of them he doesn’t have,” Ndungane told Front Row Rugby.
“He’s shown that it’s all about the heart and the god given talent that you have, so I’m a big fan of Cheslin, a guy that can create magic out of nowhere.
“You do get those players that a lot of people go to the stadium to watch. When he’s got the ball, you know something is going to happen.
“You can have two or three defenders on him but somehow he will still manage to find a way. If he doesn’t score it himself, he will set it up for someone else.”
Kolbe’s incredible skills
There has been a belief that big means best, especially with it now harder for the defending team due to the change in aerial laws.
Smaller players such as Kolbe should therefore be naturally disadvantaged, but the Springboks star has outstanding basic skills and has not been exposed under the high ball or defensively.
“Defensively, he’s also very good. He doesn’t stand back, he doesn’t miss many tackles. Some people think they can target him in the air but he’s also quite good in that as well,” Ndungane added.
“I think he’s a very well rounded player. We see him throwing in the lineout, we see him at scrum-half so definitely Cheslin is one of those special ones.”
