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Despite a severely disrupted 2020 rugby schedule, CRAIG LEWIS believes Cheslin Kolbe would have every chance of being named World Rugby Player of the Year.
In a world that has undergone immense change since the Springboks’ momentous World Cup triumph, it is always heartening to see some things remain the same.
In particular, it is Kolbe’s form that seems to be as otherworldly as when he emerged as one of the Boks’ MVPs during an unforgettable campaign in Japan.
This year has seen a series of unfortunate interruptions and suspensions in rugby competitions around the world, but as action has resumed in the north, Kolbe has quickly shown that he has no intention of slowing down.
Call it factor X or something special; The Boks with Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber have placed great importance on finding a player with qualities that distinguish him from the crowd.
In that context, there is probably no player who better embodies this selection criteria than Kolbe. Through the heavy weight of performances during his first two years on the test stage, the diminutive Springbok star has blazed his own unique path in world rugby.
Such has been his success that any conversation about his size has faded into the distance as if reflecting the agitated English defenders left in his wake as he advanced to his famous try in last year’s World Cup final.
Kolbe – who hits above his weight on defense and appears to defy gravity with his skills under the high ball – has shown that little men can succeed on the test stage.
Yet despite his rise to prominence as one of the world’s most respected players, Kolbe remains down-to-earth and humble, unfettered by his sudden fame and immense popularity.
Earlier this year, I had the privilege of spending over an hour chatting with the 26-year-old during a period of lockdown he spent in Cape Town, as he engaged in various outreach jobs to help the less fortunate.
So also willingly giving his time during our interview, Kolbe chatted happily while reflecting on the World Cup campaign, while providing insight into the person behind the unstoppable player during conversations about the inspiring work done during the pandemic.
Since his return to France, Kolbe has started working. Last weekend, Bok’s wing capped off an outstanding performance for Toulouse with a pair of attempts against La Rochelle on Saturday.
And on Sunday, he took his game to another level, winning another Man of the Match award in a riveting display of two attempts against Ulster in the European Cup quarter-finals.
LOOK: Kolbe dazzles again
Irish great Brian O’Driscoll added his voice to a chorus of praise when he admitted that seeing a player like Kolbe made him thankful that he retired so he didn’t have to defend himself against him.
Kolbe’s focus will now be on maintaining his fitness and form as the new season progresses, but all indications are that the dynamic wing remains at the height of his unmatched powers.
He is a player like no other, with his dynamism, precision under the ball high, courage in defense and deadly attack game that distinguishes him in world rugby.
Just a few months ago, Kolbe was literally held high by his teammates after scoring. that try in the final of the World Cup. A day later, he was present at the 2019 World Rugby Awards, where he was nominated for World Player of the Year.
It remains to be seen where and when these awards will take place for 2020, but there is every reason to believe that there is no player in the game better than Kolbe right now.
When I see players like Kolbe, I am very excited to have retired a few years ago. One by one is amazing to watch unless you are the other!
* You will keep looking at the mind https://t.co/xZ2rzIzOSr
– Brian O’Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) September 20, 2020
@ Cheslin_Kolbe11Performance vs Ulster 🤩#SaffasAnteriorpic.twitter.com/Km4iopdhjj
– SA Rugby Magazine (@SARugbymag) September 20, 2020
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