Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Rugby World Cup 2023 final: South Africa wing Cheslin Kolbe prepared to cover scrum-half against New Zealand

Written by 
Published in Rugby
Friday, 27 October 2023 11:32

South Africa wing Cheslin Kolbe says he is prepared to move to scrum-half and "contribute in any way" in the World Cup final against New Zealand.

Faf de Klerk will start at scrum-half for the Springboks but their attacking bench renders Kolbe his cover.

Kolbe is widely considered one of the world's best wingers, last playing at scrum-half against Argentina in 2021.

"Whatever plan the coaches have, it is up to the players to buy into it," said Kolbe.

"For me, with a bit of a sevens background, I have played at scrum-half or sweeper, [including] one or two games internationally at scrum-half.

"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 team mates."

"I will just do the best I can to make sure I have a positive impact towards the team and contribute in any way I can. You never want to see any injuries for a player, but if the opportunity does happen to go to scrum-half I will make the most of it and make sure I enjoy myself."

'Representing my country means more than anything'

Kolbe scored a try in the 2019 final victory over England as the Springboks claimed their third world title.

Four years on he has the chance to become a two-time world champion on his 30th birthday.

The wing, however, remains humble and does not want the final to be about him.

Kolbe said: "It is another year, another blessing for me, but it is not about me or celebrating my birthday. 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 have been given and do my best. I am definitely looking forward to it.

"To the public, our country, our players, all the videos [showing] the excitement that we can see [in] of all the people back home [are] incredible. We got to see some clips this morning and it brought a few tears.

"[It is great] to see South Africans making a plan [to watch the final], 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."

Read 132 times

Soccer

Southampton vs Liverpool: Slot hails resilient win

Southampton vs Liverpool: Slot hails resilient win

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLiverpool boss Arne Slot praised his team for mounting a second-hal...

Vini, Mbappé connect as Madrid ease past Leganés

Vini, Mbappé connect as Madrid ease past Leganés

Kylian Mbappé ended his goal drought with a thunderous strike and midfielder Jude Bellingham scored...

Marta, Orlando Pride win 1st NWSL Championship

Marta, Orlando Pride win 1st NWSL Championship

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsKANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Barbra Banda's goal stood up as the winner to l...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Sources: Hornets' Williams out for rest of season

Sources: Hornets' Williams out for rest of season

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCharlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams sustained season-ending te...

'Phenomenal' Pippen Jr. shines in dad's ex-arena

'Phenomenal' Pippen Jr. shines in dad's ex-arena

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsScotty Pippen Jr. already had plenty of fond memories of watching h...

Baseball

Carty, 1970 NL batting champ with Braves, dies

Carty, 1970 NL batting champ with Braves, dies

EmailPrintRico Carty, who won the 1970 National League batting title when he hit a major-league-best...

Hays, Finnegan, Rodgers among new free agents

Hays, Finnegan, Rodgers among new free agents

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- Outfielder Austin Hays and right-hander Kyle Finnegan -...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated