Springboks winger Cheslin Kolbe slots the first conversion against the Barbarians on Saturday afternoon from a difficult angle. He successfully kicked nine from 11 attempts at goal, showcasing his accuracy off the tee.
Cheslin Kolbe’s calm and composed display off the kicking tee should not have come as a surprise to Springbok supporters after the winger starred in the 80-31 demolition of the Barbarians in Gqeberha on Saturday.
South Africa crossed for 12 tries in a relentless attacking performance, with Kolbe converting nine of his 11 attempts at goal, including several difficult efforts from near the touchline. The double World Cup winner finished with an impressive 23-point haul, adding a superb try to his kicking tally.
For those who have followed his club rugby closely, however, Kolbe’s exploits off the tee were hardly unexpected.
The winger has spent the past season refining his goal-kicking for Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath, where he served as the side’s primary place-kicker throughout the Japan Rugby League One campaign. His consistency and confidence from the tee made him one of the competition’s standout performers and undoubtedly strengthened his case as a reliable option for the Springboks.
