They once called him ‘cockroach.’ Now they cheer as Cheslin Kolbe leads South Africa to a World Cup win over Italy.
In World Cup rugby on Friday, the Springboks (South Africa’s National Rugby team) trounced Italy, 49-3. And Kraaifontein-born Cheslin Kolbe was, in a word, brilliant.
Kolbe, who made his Test Rugby debut last September against Australia when the Springboks lost by an edgy score 18-23, has turned into one of South Africa’s most important players. The Springboks have won three of their last four games on the national stage.
Few saw Kolbe’s ascendence, mainly because Kolbe’s career started poorly, even horrifically, some would say. He was often overlooked by former coaches Allister Coetzee and Heyneke Mayor. For their part, fans criticized him, often calling him ‘a cockroach.’
But Kolbe’s combative character came through from the start. Last year, Kolbe’s father, Andrew, said: “I told him that his talent is God-given and he must make use of it.” Kolbe did, and now his father is celebrating. “I’ve always believed this day would come, but at times I did have doubts because of the negativity in the media and on social media– critiquing him and saying he was too small and was this and that.”
To succeed, Kolbe first had to look for greener pastures. France was that place. Kolbe joined the French top 14 rugby side, Toulouse, where he quickly became a fan favorite for dazzling side-stepping moves that had opponents catching air rather than tackling him.
Those moves not only won over Toulouse fans but also forced his South African haters to eat their words. Now he’s leading the Springboks to wins.
Tied for the lead in Pool B, South Africa’s next World Cup contest will be played Tuesday v. Canada.
