Springboks star reveals the inspiration behind THAT try-saving tackle in the Rugby World Cup final

Wing Kurt-Lee Arendse believes his background in sevens played a crucial role in South Africa lifting the Webb Ellis Cup.

The Springboks became the first four-time winners of the Rugby World Cup when they defeated the All Blacks 12-11 in the showpiece event.

There were many moments in the game which played a part in the triumph, but one vital intervention was Arendse’s try-saving tackle on Rieko Ioane.

The New Zealand flyer is one of the quickest players in the game and looked set to score for a potentially decisive try, but the Boks wing matched him stride for stride and then took him into touch with a textbook hit.

Abilities in attack and defence

Since coming into the side, the 27-year-old has been praised for his attacking prowess, crossing the whitewash 13 times in 15 matches, but he has also shone in other areas of the game.

That tackle showed his defensive qualities, and Arendse credited his time in sevens – between 2019 and 2021 – for his ability to defuse that situation.

“A lot of people have talked about my tackle on Rieko Ioane in the World Cup and asked if it was instinct, or something I have learnt. I’d say the latter,” he told the World Rugby SVNS website.

“When I saw the ball cupped in his right hand, I knew if I was to commit to the tackle, I had to somehow wrap the ball as well as the man.

“I know the All Blacks are a brilliant offloading team and Rieko is very fast and a great player, so I had no margin for error. I also learnt to tackle low and ‘chop’.

“As I’ve said, I’m not the biggest athlete, so I have to go for the legs because if I go high, the bigger players can shrug me off. [Former Blitzboks] Coach Neil [Powell] said if that works for me, to stick with it. I relish one-on-one defensive situations because of my sevens training.

“Playing on the circuit definitely helped evolve my game awareness and enabled me to pick up tips from legends of the game. I was fortunate enough to play with sevens legend Seabelo Senatla and roomed with him in 2021 in Dubai.

“Seabelo is a great guy, and I constantly pumped him for information on his wing play. As smaller players, his main advice was to use our natural ability as evasive, skilful players to our advantage, to use our pace and look for space, not contact.”

Kurt-Lee Arendse with a stunning try-saving tackle just before the break 🤯#RWC2023 | #RWCFinal pic.twitter.com/x8A8crROi6

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 28, 2023

Going from sevens to XVs

Despite being a star in sevens, it can be difficult for players to repeat that in the longer form of the game, but not for Arendse, who has shone since making his Test debut in 2022.

“I found the transition from sevens to 15s pretty seamless. The pathway is well-trodden, and it’s built into you to work unbelievably hard for your team-mates,” he added.

“It’s far more congested on the pitch in 15s, but my mindset is the same; not to be lazy. I’m not the finished product in the 15-a-side game, there are still things I’m learning on the training field, but I know that sevens training has made me a better player.

“I’ve had to add a bit of weight for 15s. I was around 72kg for sevens, and I’m now around 80kg, which allows me to soak up the heavier contact and complete more front-on tackles.”

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