Springboks star Cheslin Kolbe scores a 2019-esque stunner in a come-from-behind victory

Jared Wright
South African winger Cheslin Kolbe in action for Japanese Rugby League One side, Suntory Sungoliath.

South African winger Cheslin Kolbe in action for Japanese Rugby League One side, Suntory Sungoliath.

Springboks star Cheslin Kolbe scored a try eerily similar to his effort in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, helping his club Suntory Sungoliath to victory on Saturday.

Kolbe opened up his Japanese Rugby League One account against the Kobelco Kobe Steelers last week and has now doubled his tally, scoring for a second week in a row.

Cheslin Kolbe sparks the comeback

The double Rugby World Cup winner sparked Suntory’s comeback against Shizuoka Blue Revs – who are skippered by his Test teammate Kwagga Smith – showing off his trademark footwork.

Suntory were trailing the Blue Revs 25-17 heading into the final ten minutes of the clash when Kolbe received the ball on the right-hand side of the pitch just outside the opposition’s 22.

The fleet-footed outside back still had plenty to do as he needed to beat the fullback and the covering defence, but he made it look so easy as he stepped off his right foot and glided through the two attempted tackles.

He sped past the last-ditch tackle before racing over to score a try that gave Sungoliath an opportunity to launch a late comeback.

The score was reminiscent of his try against England in the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final against England, which South Africa won 32-12.

The speedster beat Owen Farrell, Joe Marler and Billy Vunipola with his elusive footwork and searing pace.

Story of the match

Suntory kicker Mikiya Takamoto had the opportunity to make it a one-point game with the conversion. However, his miss meant that Suntory trailed by four points.

They would complete the come-from-behind victory as number eight Ryuga Hashimoto strolled over the whitewash in the final minutes of the game, with Takamoto making no mistake from the tee this time to secure the 25-29 victory.

Suntory had started the game well, with 2023 Rugby World Cup All Blacks’ captain Sam Cane scoring the opening try from a rolling maul.

The Blue Revs replied through a penalty from Kenta Iemura and a converted try scored by Kodai Ozakai before Smith and Cane were both yellow-carded before half-time.

Kakaeru Okumuara’s score gave the Blue Revs a 15-5 lead, with Sam Greene and Futo Yamaguchi scoring in the second half.

Meanwhile, Kosuke Horikoshi and Taiga Ozaki both dotted down before Kolbe’s try, which sparked the late comeback.

The win means that Suntory have won their last three matches on the trot since beating Honda Heat on Christmas Eve.

READ MORE: WATCH: Springboks captain Siya Kolisi chats with David Beckham at Ronaldo-attended game

Internationals Cheslin Kolbe

Related Articles