Cheslin Kolbe has defended South Africa’s 7-1 split on the bench to face Ireland on Saturday, which could leave the Springbok flyer popping up anywhere in the backline.
Kolbe starts in an exciting Bok back three with Kurt-Lee Arendse and Damian Willemse to tackle the top-ranked Ireland in a crucial World Cup Pool B clash at Stade de France.
Veteran scrumhalf Cobus Reinach, who can double up at wing, is the only backline replacement named by head coach Jacques Nienaber, but an injury or two will leave the world champions vulnerable and scrambling to fill the gaps.
More of a specialist outside back, Kolbe also played flyhalf for former club Toulouse, while ex-Bok coach Nick Mallett has always touted the diminutive speedster as a potential world-class No 9.
Nienaber’s “calculated risk” of the seven forwards among the substitutes for Saturday has raised eyebrows in the rugby world, but Kolbe says the players have bought into the plan for the match 100%.
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“We respect the coaches and their decisions, and whoever takes the field will go out there and give their best,” Kolbe told reporters in France on Tuesday. “The main thing for us is to focus on the game and not be distracted by what people say.
“We know there’s a risk involved as well, but we are fortunate to have players who can play various positions. As players we back one another, and we all know we need to be as mentally and as physically prepared as we can be.”
The 27-Test pocket rocket was also excited about the showdown between the No 1 and No 2 teams in the world.
“Personally, it is a massive opportunity and privilege to be here, and I’m delighted to get the opportunity to represent my country. I just want to go out there and enjoy the occasion,” Kolbe added.
“We’ve been working hard and we know what we need to do this weekend.”
When quizzed about the difference between this Bok team and the triumphant 2019 squad, the World Cup winner said: “That was four years ago, and a lot has happened since then. The team has also evolved in a positive way during that time.”
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