Springboks: Cheslin Kolbe eager to ‘give back’ to South Africa at ‘packed stadiums’ against All Blacks

Cheslin Kolbe insists that the Springboks will “keep their feet on the ground” despite securing back-to-back bonus-point wins over Australia in the Rugby Championship.

South Africa followed up their opening round 33-7 success in Brisbane with a 30-12 victory in Perth, which leaves them top of the standings going into the week’s break.

Kolbe, who played his part in both triumphs on the road, spoke after the win at Optus Stadium and feels the world champions are only just scratching the surface as a team.

Special time

“We are very excited that we could build on last week’s result, and it was particularly pleasing with all the players getting opportunities to play,” said the dangerous wing.

“It was special, but there’s a lot more to come. We certainly couldn’t have asked for a better start in the competition especially winning two games away from home, but we have to progress as the competition goes on.

“We’ll keep our feet on the ground and continue working hard in the weeks leading up to the games against New Zealand in South Africa which is going to be massive. As a team we are looking forward to giving back in South Africa at the packed stadiums.”

He added: “As coach Rassie (Erasmus) said after the game, we haven’t achieved this in years, and we are definitely in a good position (in the competition), but we won’t just leave it at that and be complacent because we know the next two games are going to be tough. Tests between the All Blacks and Springboks are always tough matches.”

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One of the standout players from Saturday’s win over the Wallabies was flanker Marco van Staden, who got the chance to start in the absence of regular skipper Siya Kolisi.

He was of a similar opinion to Kolbe as he reflected on the away triumph before turning his attention to the back-to-back showdowns with the All Blacks and then Argentina.

“It feels great for us as a group to get such a good start to the competition, but the work is not done,” Van Staden said.

“We still have a few big games to go, and we are looking forward to the next step. That said, to leave Australia with 10 points definitely gives us confidence going forward.”

Rassie Erasmus has blooded all but one member of his travelling squad in Australia, with only second-row RG Snyman not getting on to the field due to a foot injury.

Kolbe hailed that fact as he thinks it has instilled belief in the whole group as the Springboks look to build for the future with one eye on the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

“It was nice to see some of the young guys put up their hands and they definitely showed that they want to be here and stay here, which is exciting from a player point of view,” he said.

“The belief from the coaches and players and the willingness to always give their best is a testament what the team stands for.”

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