Springboks: Cheslin Kolbe weighs into world’s best debate with incredibly honest appraisal of own game despite World Rugby nomination

Louis Chapman Coombe 18 Nov 2024 10:42 AM

Springboks wing Cheslin Kolbe is embracing talk around him being the best player in the world, but believes he is still “not a complete rugby player”.

The finisher, who was Player of the Match in South Africa’s 29-20 win over England on Saturday, is one of three Springboks nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year and is arguably the front-runner after a stellar 2024 in the Green and Gold.

“I’m not a complete rugby player”

Speaking after the match at Allianz Stadium, Kolbe detailed his belief that he is still “not a complete rugby player” and that is fuelling a desire to keep improving, which has been the key to his glorious form so far this calendar year.

“It’s always good when people say those kinds of things,” he said. “But it takes one bad game and you’re the worst player again! For me, it’s quite simple; I’m learning each and every day, I’m not a complete rugby player.

Cheslin Kolbe makes frank Springboks admission despite side being ‘in a good place’

“People have their opinions, and as players, we appreciate it, but we also know what it’s like being on the back foot when things are not going well. That’s rugby, that’s what keeps things entertaining.”

Kolbe also touched on how the Springboks environment is making him “enjoy” playing: “Firstly I’m just enjoying myself and enjoying this talent I’ve been blessed with and I want to contribute to this Springboks team as best I can.”

“For me, I’m not just going to rely on people saying good things about me, at the end of the day I need to produce between the four lines and play the best rugby I can. That’s what I’m doing, I’m enjoying myself, enjoying this environment and I want to be here as long as I can.”

This has certainly been another exceptional year for the winger at Test level. He has featured in eight of the Springboks’ 12 Tests this year and chipped in with a tidy haul of four tries in the process. Crucially, he has also been at the heartbeat of their new-look attack, and has flourished under new attack coach Tony Brown.

Kolbe one of three Springboks nominated for World Player of the Year

The Toyota Sungoliath winger is one of three Springboks to be nominated for the coveted World Rugby Player of the Year award, joining towering forwards Pieter-Steph du Toit and Eben Etzebeth on the shortlist. Ireland skipper Caelan Doris is also up for the award after a brilliant year in the green jersey.

The three nominations are just reward for the Springboks’ year on the whole, with them claiming their first Rugby Championship title since 2019. Rassie Erasmus‘ side have also posted a winning record of 83% in 2024, losing only two of their 12 Tests this calendar year.

International Cheslin Kolbe