Cheslin Kolbe backed to end 16-year wait

With their ability to win matches by scoring sensational tries through their mazy running, out-and-out pace and acrobatic skills, wingers get their fair share of headlines.

In Test matches where the margins are so fine, one act of brilliance can mean the difference between success or failure, and very often it is the gas men out wide who deliver those moments. But, so far, wingers have been few and far between when it comes to nominations for the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year award in 15s rugby.

The awards were introduced in 2002, just too late for Jonah Lomu who would have surely picked up multiple awards. Bryan Habana became the first winger to receive the coveted prize in 2007, the year he scored tries for fun in helping South Africa to win the Rugby World Cup.

Two-time World Cup-winning prop Steven Kitshoff speaks about the neck surgery | RPTV

Two-time World Cup-winning prop Steven Kitshoff speaks about the neck surgery | RPTV

Shane Williams ensured the award remained in the hands of the speedsters when he was named player of the year 12 months later, in acknowledgement of his six-try contribution to Wales’ Grand Slam success.

Julian Savea was nominated twice, in 2014 and 2015, Rieko Ioane was shortlisted in 2018 before he became a centre, and then Cheslin Kolbe’s name appeared for the first time in 2019, when he missed out to Springbok teammate Pieter-Steph du Toit in another Rugby World Cup-winning year.

Five years on, both have made the four-man shortlist again, alongside the Springboks’ most-capped player Eben Etzebeth and Ireland captain Caelan Doris.

So who will take the mantle of the world’s best player from Ardie Savea, last year’s winner?

Schalk Burger, who became the first recipient in 2004, reckons this year it be Kolbe’s turn to scoop the award. Speaking on the latest episode of the Boks Office, the 86-cap Springbok’s vote goes to the scrum cap-wearing pocket rocket who has added lineout throwing to his repertoire of skills.

“They’re all so exceptional. But I am leaning towards Cheslin,” Burger said.

“It is bloody hard when you get three nominated, it’s almost better if you only have one South African nominated and then you go with them.

“I think we have been the exceptional side this year and obviously we have still got to play Wales. But I am confident we are going to pitch up and finish the year strong. And I think Cheslin is probably going to be the one, although if any one of the three get it, I will be the biggest supporter of that.”

Kolbe doubled his try tally for the year with a brace in last week’s 20-29 win against England, having scored in the first Test win over Ireland back in July and in The Rugby Championship title-clinching match against Argentina in Nelspruit in September. The 31-year-old also broke 21 tackles in The Rugby Championship, more than any other player.

They say the good things come in small packages, and 5’7 Kolbe is living proof of that.