O’Driscoll raves about ‘Energiser Bunny’ Kolbe

Former Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll has described Springbok wing Cheslin Kolbe as a player for the big moments after he helped Toulouse into the European Cup final.

Kolbe was at the heart of Toulouse’s efforts as the French side booked their place in the Champions Cup final with a victory over fellow Top 14 team Bordeaux.

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In total, the tricky winger made 69 metres from six carries and two linebreaks before he was substituted in the final minute of play.

Kolbe’s performance prompted praise from O’Driscoll, who was commentating on BT Sport after the match.

‘He is like an Energiser Bunny,’ the former British & Irish Lions captain exclaimed.

‘It just feels as though [his step] can come off of either side. Owen Farrell knows in the World Cup final he came off his right foot the same way, so it is frightening what he can do.

‘You need those sorts of players in big moments, just like Dupont is turning up for the big occasion, he turns up to create little snippets.

‘Even if nothing comes of it, [it is there] for us to oogle and love and enjoy and get us watching the next game he is going to play in.’

O’Driscoll was also asked to compare Kolbe’s notorious sidestep to that of another diminutive winger, former Wales international Shane Williams.

‘Shane Williams was a left-foot step,’ he explained. ‘The problem was if you waited for it on the inside he burnt you on the outside. He didn’t have double feet like Cheslin Kolbe has.’

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