Cheslin Kolbe gets a new wing partner in South Africa’s 2023 Rugby World Cup squad picked by readers.
SA Rugby magazine readers named three Springbok scrumhalves to travel to France for the global showpiece and then put their rugby knowledge and Bok passion to use again in selecting a pair of finishers to join fullback Willie le Roux in the back three.
In 2019, Kolbe started most often alongside Makazole Mapimpi and the two scored South Africa’s first tries in a World Cup final in the 32-12 win over England.
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Since then, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie have emerged at the Vodacom Bulls as serious Test contenders as both enjoyed successful Bok debut seasons in 2022.
It appears that Arendse’s performances in 2022 have captured the attention of supporters, as he won 23% of the vote to partner Kolbe at the World Cup.
Mapimpi wasn’t far behind with 18% of the vote, while Kolbe was by far the most popular speedster with 42% of votes.
Moodie was the only other winger to get a significant number of votes (10%).
The other out-and-out winger who travelled to the World Cup, Sbu Nkosi, earned less than 1% of votes, fewer than Dillyn Leyds, Edwill van der Merwe, Raymond Rhule and Leolin Zas.
Photo: Twitter: @Springboks