Get ready for a clash of titans! Cheslin Kolbe and the South African Springboks are gearing up for what they anticipate will be a 'massive' game against Ireland. This isn't just another match; it's a test of wills, skill, and strategy. Kolbe, known for his grace under pressure, smoothly navigates media questions with the same agility he displays on the field.
It's mid-afternoon, and the 32-year-old wing, along with Springboks prop Thomas du Toit and scrumhalf Grant Williams, has fulfilled his media duties ahead of the Saturday match at Aviva Stadium.
The Springboks players are the epitome of good sportsmanship, avoiding any talk of revenge. They keep their rhetoric in check, understanding that Ireland, currently the world's number one team, will be a tough opponent. The players treat each match in the Rugby Championship and the November Tests as separate entities, focusing on the upcoming game. They acknowledge the challenges ahead, emphasizing the need for a physical game and the desire to win.
Each player emphasizes the team's importance over individual glory, happily embracing head coach Rassie Erasmus's methods. Kolbe is particularly direct in explaining their primary motivation: "I think it's to stay on top. Standards in the past, we can’t rely on that. They’re not going to win us matches and that’s what’s special about this team. The environment, the culture that the coaches and players have bought into, has been unbelievable." He continues, "The plans that the coaches come up with, and the buy-in the players have, it’s incredible. And whether the coaches come up with a plan, players also have a say, whether they think there’s something better we can do, which is also a good environment.”
The team's mantra is to seize every opportunity. "There’s no A or B team here. Everybody is seen as number one, and whoever plays on the weekend, we make sure that we prepare them as well as we can, and we respect each and every one of us," Kolbe states. "We just want the best for the player that has the opportunity to wear a special jersey, because at the end of the day, it’s not about us as individuals, it’s for the Springboks and for the millions of people back in South Africa that have been behind this team.”
Here's where it gets interesting... Kolbe has never won in Dublin, and the Springboks' last victory there was in 2012. Is this a factor? Publicly, no. But privately, it's clear that adding another achievement to their list would be satisfying. Kolbe focuses on the training that enables the Springboks to perform at their best.
"South Africa v Ireland; it’s always a massive game. It’s going to be as physical as you can get," Kolbe remarks. "We came close in 2022 but just didn’t capitalise on a few opportunities and shots at goal that cost us back then. It would obviously be massive for the team, for our growth and the way we want to move forward. These games are so close, you need to make sure you capitalise on every opportunity, and they’ve been doing that well over the past few years. It’s a team that’s well coached and has good structure to the game. So, if you’re not up for it on the day, they can hurt you.”
Kolbe, despite not being the tallest player, excels in aerial contests. Teams that have underestimated him have learned this the hard way. He has a knack for collecting kick-offs and restarts, often surprising opponents.
He notes the effectiveness of Ireland's kicking game. "I think rugby overall has changed a lot. Kicking has become a big weapon for all teams, and it helps us as well how we want to play." He adds, "Just watching the past few games that they’ve (Ireland) been playing, the kicking game they’ve been capitalising, getting into the air and (winning) those balls that creates the scraps. They’ve just been desperate, more than the other teams, to win those opportunities." Kolbe shares, "I obviously love running with the ball but [high-fielding]’s a skill that I’ve learned since I made my debut in 2018 and something I’ll continue to work at. The kicking game has been a big emphasis in all teams across world rugby. You need to obviously adapt and chase and work as hard so that you can have a positive impact for the team at the end of the day. Whether that’s getting into the air, whether that’s making a tackle, chasing lost causes, it’s all to benefit the team we play for. That’s how we see it and that’s just how the coaches coach us as well.”
And this is the part most people miss... The team is unified, focused on the task at hand, and ready to give their all.
What do you think? Will the Springboks' strategy and teamwork be enough to overcome Ireland? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
