'Up to standard': Cheslin Kolbe on potential World Cup final position switch

South Africa wing Cheslin Kolbe has undergone a scrum-halfing crash course this week from teammate Faf de Klerk to make sure he is “up to standard” in case he is forced to step in and play there against the All Blacks in the World Cup final.

De Klerk is the only recognised scrum-half in the entire 23 player squad for the final in Paris after head coach Jacques Nienaber opted for the unconventional move of naming a 7-1 split on the bench, with fullback Willie le Roux being the only representative from the backs amongst the substitutes. Despite naming four scrum-halves in the 33-player World Cup squad, and even naming all four in the matchday squad against Romania (including Grant Williams on the wing), Kolbe is the sole back-up option for de Klerk should the Yokohama Canon Eagles fail to last the 80 minutes.

The winger is confident that his teammate will “carry us through”, but with some guidance from de Klerk this week and experience playing as a sweeper in sevens, the 2019 World Cup final try scorer backs himself to deputise and trusts the decision that has been by Nienaber and director of rugby Rassie Erasmus.

Jacques Nienaber and Faf de Klerk explain the back-up plan for the Springboks if De Klerk goes down

Jacques Nienaber and Faf de Klerk explain the back-up plan for the Springboks if De Klerk goes down

“Whatever plan the coaches have, it is up to the players to buy into it as soon as possible,” said 29-year-old, who is celbrating his birthday on the day of the final.

“For me, with a bit of a sevens background, I have played at scrum-half or sweeper, as we call it, and I have played one or two games internationally at scrum-half.

“Faf has given me some input to make sure I am up to standard in case I am in that position tomorrow night, but I am sure Faf will carry us through to the end. Whatever position I am playing, it is just to have a positive impact on the game for the Springboks jersey and my team mates.”

The former Toulouse and Toulon star is drawing upon brief dalliances in role for enouragement heading into the final, including a ten minute spell against Argentina in the 2019 Rugby Championship while de Klerk was yellow carded.

He said: “I think the last time I played number nine in an international was against Argentina, maybe 2021. It has been a few years. I will just do the best I can to make sure I have a positive impact towards the team and contribute in any way I can. You never want to see any injuries for a player, but if the opportunity does happen to go to scrum-half I will make the most of it and make sure I enjoy myself.”