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Cheslin Kolbe has put his hand up to solve the Springboks’ goalkicking conundrum in the Rugby Championship title decider against Argentina on Saturday.
Kolbe has joined flyhalf Manie Libbok and scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse in practicing their kicks at goal ahead of the clash at the Mbombela Stadium.
This comes after Libbok was heavily criticised following a last-minute penalty miss in the Springboks’ loss to Argentina in Santiago del Estero last weekend.
Libbok has been promoted to the starting lineup in a new-look halfback combination with Hendrikse, while Kolbe has been recalled to the starting lineup after not travelling to Argentina.
Kolbe was trialled as a goalkicker for the Springboks during the 2022 November tour of Europe, slotting five penalties and two conversions in games against Ireland, France and Italy.
“I’m comfortable kicking for goals,” said the speedster. “I’ve been working on it throughout the season, and the kickers and Tony (Brown, Bok assistant coach) have been giving me tips.
“One never knows what will happen on the day, so if they need me to kick, I’ll be ready to do so. I’m not sure who will take over the kicking yet, but we back that person 100%.”
Kolbe is one of six two-time World Cup winners who have been recalled to the lineup after watching last weekend’s defeat from South Africa.
“It definitely gave me different pictures because you see things from other angles, so I know what I have to do to contribute to the team,” Kolbe said.
“Argentina is a phenomenal side, and they have many players with an X-factor, while many of them come from a Sevens rugby background. Some of the guys who played last week also gave me advice, so I know what to expect this week.”
The Boks enter the match as favourites with home-ground advantage and a five-point buffer at the top of the standings placing them in pole position to claim the title which they have only won four times.
However, Kolbe is expecting another epic encounter with Los Pumas, who enter the match full of confidence after beating all three of their southern hemisphere rivals for the first time in a calendar year.
“They’ve certainly developed as a team over the years, and this year they’ve showed the style of rugby they want to play, so it’s going to be a massive challenge on Saturday,” said Kolbe.
“There’s a lot of confidence and excitement in their team especially after beating Australia, New Zealand and us this season. But that said we need to focus on ourselves and be ready for them because they can create something out of nothing.
“It’s a final this weekend, and it is going to a huge game.
“They’ll be super hungry and excited about this opportunity, just like us,” Kolbe added.
“We may have played a in few finals, but one can never bank on what happened in the past. This is going to be a big game against a determined team, so we must be at our best for the full 80 minutes.”
Photo: Clement Mahoudeau/Gallo Images
