It’s all about the team for Cheslin

Stormers fullback Cheslin Kolbe is the sort of player people pay good money to watch.

For Stormers fullback Cheslin Kolbe, it’s all about the team. In almost every question he answered about his own game ahead of Saturday’s Super Rugby match against the Sharks at Newlands (kickoff 5.10pm), he credited the Cape franchise’s “band of brothers”.

But you can’t help feeling that most of the spotlight will be on the pint-sized speedster this weekend. It normally is anyway, because Kolbe is the sort of player people pay good money to watch. However, Saturday’s match against the Sharks will be of greater significance for the 22-year-old.

Kolbe has got a chance to compare himself against the best fullback in the country, Willie le Roux. It’s a duel that could light up Newlands, and maybe even burn the place to the ground.

At his best, Le Roux is a dazzler and a guy who can create a bit of magic with a good pass or a break. He also loves coming in at first receiver to dictate the play, while his kicking isn’t too shabby either.

But those traits sound awfully familiar. Kolbe has got similar strengths, but his ability to step defenders at point-blank range is what really makes him a special talent.

For years, South Africa had an obsession with big brutes running head down into defensive walls. But Le Roux and Kolbe bring that X-factor to the party that can help unlock stubborn defences. They just aren’t your stereotypical South African rugby players.

While Kolbe has got a chance to strut his stuff against the incumbent Springbok No 15 on Saturday, he doesn’t want to use their face-off as motivation. Remember, it’s all about the team for “Chessie”.

“All credit to Willie, he is a very good player. But the focus point is not just on Willie, but a collective thing on the field,” Kolbe said this week.

“Personally, if you have it in your mind that you want to prove a point, you are not going to have a good game. You have to take every game as it comes and enjoy it. Hopefully, at the end of the day, the team can pull through.

“I also don’t get motivated by opposition players. I get motivated by guys in our circle, and that’s going onto the park with me.”

The Stormers tried to bring Kolbe into the game as much as possible in their first Super Rugby outing against the Bulls. Last weekend, against the Cheetahs, Kolbe didn’t see a lot of the ball, but he did set up try-scorer Leolin Zas with a lovely pass in the first half.

Getting Kolbe on the ball is a must for the Stormers, especially after new coach Robbie Fleck has given him a bit of licence to have a go this year.

“Coach Fleckie has given me and all the players the freedom to play some rugby,” Kolbe said. “That is why we are here, to play some rugby, to enjoy ourselves, and to express ourselves on the park. I don’t think we are in a box, and there is always a plan.”

However, Kolbe will also have to be very sharp on the defensive side of things against the Sharks on Saturday.

The Durban outfit have a very strong kicking game with Joe Pietersen at flyhalf, while Le Roux loves to find space behind the defensive lines with little dinks over the top.

Fielding kicks is an area where Kolbe’s game has improved considerably. He gets up really high to receive up-and-unders, while his anticipation is also impressive.

So far this season, Kolbe and his wings haven’t really put a foot wrong, but the Sharks will certainly test them this weekend.

“Every game in Super Rugby is tough because everyone is up for the challenge. There are always a different variety of teams that you face,” he said.

“The Sharks will bring a different mindset to the park. We just have to man up and do the best that we can. We just have to work as hard as possible to anticipate what their main kickers are going to do.” - Cape Times