Cheslin Kolbe has thrilled South African rugby crowds since 2013, and should have been a Springbok by now.
But while he has again been overlooked for the three-Test November tour of Europe, Kolbe will finally turn out for the national team in a tour match against the Barbarians at Wembley Stadium in London, and he can’t wait to don the green-and-gold.
Even though he won’t earn a Test cap, Kolbe’s inclusion in the 32-man group for the Barbarians clash is the perfect birthday present, as he will turn 23 on Friday, when the Boks fly to London ahead of the November 5 game.
Kolbe has been one of the top fullbacks in the country over the last three years, but first Heyneke Meyer and now Allister Coetzee have opted for the likes of Willie le Roux, and even retreaded flyhalves such as Pat Lambie and Johan Goosen at No 15.
The Western Province star’s mentor, Gio Aplon, also continues to be ignored by Coetzee despite excelling in France.
But while Goosen and Le Roux have been retained for the November Tests, Kolbe will have a chance to catch Coetzee’s eye against the Barbarians.
The first task, though, is to get used to the national set-up. “We only found out the day when they announced the team – even though we had to get visas and stuff, but we didn’t know much about the team selection and all that,” Kolbe told Independent Media.
“I was watching it on TV at my house, chilling on the couch. When I saw my name, I was definitely overwhelmed and just knowing that the opportunity has been given to me. It all depends on me, what I can create with this opportunity. I will put in all the hard work and whatever processes are required of me.
“It’s first about finding your feet as quickly as possible within the systems, and just putting in all the hard work and getting to know all the small detail, the plays and stuff, and what is expected of me.”
But while Kolbe burst on to the scene as a devastating runner with ball-in-hand, who could leave defenders for dead with his astonishing footwork and pace, he had to adapt his game under Coetzee at the Stormers, where there was a greater emphasis on tactical kicking from the back. So his familiarity with the Bok coach will help him in that regard.
Coetzee also said that one of the main areas of concern to come out of last week’s rugby indaba was South African players’ lack of aerial skills. Kolbe, though, feels that he has improved in dealing with the high ball over the last 12 months.
“I started my professional career under coach Allister, and I know the feeling and what type of person he is, and what he kind of looks for in a player. It counts a little in my favour, but ja, it’s about making use of the chance,” Kolbe said.
“In rugby, you have to work on your all-round game like the defence and my kicking game. I’ve focused a lot on that, just to make myself a better player. (The high ball) That is a challenge for me, as teams analyse the opponents and will think that I am a small 15 at the back, so ‘Let’s test him under the high ball’.
“But this year I have been quite good under the high ball, and it’s something that I have been working on as I knew that they were going to target me at some stage. I have just prepared myself for whatever’s been coming my way, so all the plans worked out well.”
But in a festival game against the Barbarians, there will be opportunities for Kolbe to showcase his game-breaking ability, and his time with the Springbok Sevens team this year has helped shaped his attacking game even further.
“Sevens sharpens up your skills and you are able to see so much space in 15s as a result. Your vision for the game is much better… Your reaction to certain plays is also good. The small detail, you learn it within sevens and use it in 15s.”
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