Springboks admit they're toying with switching Cheslin Kolbe's position

South Africa head coach Jacque Nienaber has admitted that they are considering using Springbok Rugby World Cup-winning winger Cheslin Kolbe at flyhalf in a bid to fill a gap this summer.

South Africa take on Wales in a three Test series but it looks like Nienaber will be without the services of both Handre Pollard and Elton Jantjies.

Veteran Frans Steyn, former Montpellier star Johan Goosen and one-time heir apparent Damian Willemse are certainly part of the conversation, but Nienaber has now surprised a few by suggesting they are considering using Kolbe as potential cover.

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“That’s why last year our thoughts were on getting an experienced head in the squad like Morne Steyn. Remember, we have Frans Steyn who can play there, Gaza [Damian Willemse], Cheslin put in some excellent performances for Toulouse last year before he went to Toulon, where he played for Toulouse at flyhalf,” said Nienaber.

“So, there are third choice options that we can use within the squad. But that’s also why it’s important to have a look at a guy like Johan. It would be nice to know where he is at and if he still wants to be part of it.”

Indeed Toulouse did use Kolbe at 10 with some success, even starting him in Europe last season before hos move to Toulon. His potential selection at pivot it does however beg the question, why start arguably the world’s best winger anywhere else?

It’s an interesting case, as Kolbe’s club Toulon are also currently looking for an additional flyhalf. The Toulonais are set to lose both Louis Carbonnel and Anthony Belleau at the end of the season, leaving them with a major depth crisis at 10.

While they have secured New Zealander Ihaia West from Ronan O’Gara’s La Rochelle, they are still in the hunt for another top-class playmaker.

Bernard Lemaitre – who took over RCT last year – is carrying on in the combative tradition of Mourad Boudjellal and it’s coincided with a number of big names deciding to exit the club.