Double Rugby World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe revealed that his infamous side-step came from playing touch rugby on the road as a youngster.
The Springbok has had some career that started with people doubting his ability due to his smaller size claiming Kolbe could not make it at the highest level. What he lacked in physical stature he made up with in pace, agility and trickery with the ball in hand.
Renowned for his step
Fast track to now and Kolbe is easily one of the most recognisable players in the sport with his ridiculous side-step at the centre of his game as many defenders have found out over the years.
The outside back’s unique skill-set recently earned high praise from masterful tactician Rassie Erasmus who described Kolbe as a “once in a lifetime” player after the hot-stepper played a key role in both of the last two World Cup triumphs.
Former Springboks Rudy Paige and Juan de Jongh hosted Kolbe on their podcast, Behind the Ruck, where they tried to learn more about the infamous step that begins with thorough preparation.
“I’m quite big on visualizing,” Kolbe explained. “I play the game throughout the week and not just on weekends.
“Analysing is a big part. You get to know what a player’s strengths are and what he may not be good at.”
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All from touch rugby
The wing admits he was blessed with the natural skill to evade tacklers but outlined that it was all honed from touch rugby on a tar road as he was growing up in Kraaifontein.
“From a young age, kaalvoete [bare feet], jy worry oor niks [you worry about nothing],” Kolbe said.
“Jy bloei lekker op die teer [you bleed nicely on the tar]. I won’t do it now, but that is where I learned to do it.”
Kolbe and his Springboks teammates are currently gearing up for the start of their Autumn Nations Series campaign beginning with a trip to Scotland.
Interestingly Rassie Erasmus has delayed his team announcement to Friday which is unusual considering the coach’s normal schedule of naming his side on a Tuesday in a match week.
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