Cheslin Kolbe
With fullback Cheslin Kolbe set to wear 15 for the Springboks in the upcoming tour, head coach Rassie Erasmus is prioritising continuity at fly-half for the year-end Tests. The shift comes after injuries and cover shortages forced a fresh strategy.
The Springboks are entering their year-end tour with a subtle yet significant shift in personnel and approach. The absence of regular fullback Damian Willemse due to injury has opened the door for Cheslin Kolbe to assume the 15-jersey role for the clash at Wembley Stadium against Japan national rugby union team on Saturday.
Coach Rassie Erasmus explained that the move is as much about safeguarding the future as managing the present. He noted that the decision allows the team to maintain continuity in the fly-half position by giving young play-maker Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu a sustained run leading the backs. “We feel we need a little bit of continuity with Sacha finding his feet at Test-match level and against different opposition,” Erasmus said.
Kolbe is no stranger to fullback duties, having filled that role in club rugby for the likes of Toulouse and elsewhere, but his last Test start at 15 came back in 2022. The thirty-something veteran brings his trademark speed and versatility to a position traditionally occupied by Willemse, who normally offers a mix of attack and defence from the back. With alternate options such as Aphelele Fassi unavailable and veteran Willie le Roux omitted from the touring squad, the Boks’ depth at fullback took a hit and a reshuffle became inevitable.
Erasmus emphasised that this is more than just a positional tweak—it is a strategic move to protect one of the most crucial spots in Test rugby. With Sacha installed at fly-half, the coaching team want to ensure his development is uninterrupted. Meanwhile, Kolbe’s shift to fullback offers him a platform to influence games from deep and bring his attacking instincts into a slightly different role.
Kolbe himself said he was excited about the challenge. “I’m really excited to be back … I think he (Erasmus) is just making use of the players we have and where they can make the most impact,” he commented.
As the Boks head into fixtures that include rugby powerhouses like France, Wales and Ireland, the coaching team believe small adjustments like this could pay big dividends. The message is clear: adapt without losing the spine of the team, give the next generation a chance, and rely on experience when needed.
