Cheslin Kolbe will be putting his 30th birthday celebrations to the side on Saturday as he has his eyes firmly set on helping the Springboks retain the Webb Ellis Cup.
When Kolbe runs out for the Springboks in the World Cup on Saturday, he will do so on his 30th birthday.
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However, the party will have to wait for after 9pm, as there is the not-so-small matter of dealing with the All Blacks to make it a very special day for the winger.
“It’s another year, another blessing for me, but it’s not about me or celebrating my birthday,” Kolbe said. “I am grateful for another year in my life but to be standing here to represent my country is more than anything for me.
“My main focus will be to go out on the field to express this wonderful talent I’ve been given and do my best. I am definitely looking forward to it.
“To the public, our country, our players, all the videos the coaches have shared among each other, the excitement that we can see of all the people back home, it is incredible. We got to see some clips this morning and it brought a few tears.
“To see South Africans making a plan, no matter the circumstances, whatever the difficulties, as South Africans we will always make a plan to watch the Springboks. As Springboks we are really humbled by the videos we have received and hopefully, we can do our country proud. We are really thankful for all their support. It doesn’t go unnoticed.”
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Kolbe made his mark on South African rugby history four years ago, when he scored the try that put the 2019 World Cup final victory beyond all doubt.
“We don’t like to compare ourselves to four years ago,” he said. “A lot has changed – the team, the culture, the opportunities the players have got. It is a team that has developed, that has experience, that has grown together more than what we were four years ago. The brotherhood, the love we have for one another, it is massive for us.
“Whenever we do pull on that jersey we want to do our country proud. When you finish your international season and you go back to wherever you play, you look forward to joining up with the Springboks team again because you know you are going to see your family and your brothers.
“It is something I get excited about. With the management, the way they have got this team together is unbelievable. We are definitely in a good place compared to four years ago.”
As the Springboks have not included a replacement scrumhalf on their bench, which features seven forwards, Kolbe will need to use his sevens skills to back up Faf de Klerk.
“Whatever plan the coaches have, it is up to the players to buy into it as soon as possible,” Kolbe said. “For me, with a bit of a sevens background, I have played at scrumhalf or sweeper, as we call it, and I have played one or two games internationally at scrumhalf.
“Faf has given me some input to make sure I am up to standard in case I am in that position tomorrow night, but I am sure Faf will carry us through to the end. Whatever position I am playing, it is just to have a positive impact on the game for the Springboks jersey and my teammates.”
Photo: EPA/MARK R. CRISTINO