Cheslin Kolbe isn’t sure about his future Sevens involvement, but one thing he is 100 percent certain of is his desire to get back to his best in the 15-man code. And he wants to achieve that as quickly as possible.
Kolbe, who replaced fullback Jaco Taute in the 45th minute during Western Province’s 25-32 loss to the Cheetahs at Newlands last Friday, this week said that his main focus was to adapt to fifteens again after spending quite some time with the Springbok Sevens side this year. But after his exciting display at Newlands last week, it doesn’t seem like the top-notch stepper will have to wait too long to find his quick feet again in the 15-man code.
“It’s always great to be back within the union and the systems and it’s just an opportunity for me as a player and I’m privileged to be doing what I love. I just want to find my feet as quickly as possible. Not that I’m not finding my feet, it’s just about getting back into the 15-man code as quickly as possible. But the guys around me have made it much easier,” Kolbe said.
The Springbok Sevens side didn’t bring the ultimate medal back home like Kolbe’s cousin Wayde van Niekerk, but Kolbe believes that the Blitzboks can be proud of their efforts nonetheless.
“It’s something to be excited about and there’s a little bit of disappointment. It’s not what we wanted to achieve at the end of the day ... But we still brought a medal to South Africa,” he said. Kolbe also revealed that while playing for the Springboks is definitely something that he would like to do, his duty for Province is now top of his priority list.
“It’s every young boy’s dream to wear the green and gold, but I think you have to focus on the processes and not just your own goals. It’s a team effort. It would definitely be a great privilege and honour to wear the green and gold, but for now I’ll just focus on my game in the blue and white and just play to the best of my abilities,” Kobe said.
Meanwhile, loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe, who was dropped from the Springbok squad for the opening Rugby Championship game against Argentina, refuses to let that disappointment distract him from his goal of securing the WP and Stormers No 8 jersey.
“I must be honest, I think I’m a No 8 and I want to develop myself as a No 8. I think one has to move forward. Ja, there was disappointment, but I’m also excited about the blue and white and to contribute here as well because I’ve got a job to do. You can’t come here with sulking faces, you’ve got to contribute here as well,” a very excited Notshe said.
With Schalk Burger having signed with English Premiership winners Saracens and Nizaam Carr still nursing an injury, this year’s Currie Cup campaign is an exciting one for Notshe.
“I have to obviously establish myself there now, given the opportunity. I think this is an opportunity for me to stamp my authority for the No 8 jersey. I’m looking forward to grabbing the opportunity with both hands. I’m playing at No 8 where I’m comfortable, so I’ve got to produce, you know.” – Cape Times