Why Rassie Erasmus Turned Kolbe Into the Springboks’ Tee General
Known for his fleet-footedness, with a skip, step and dummy capable of embarrassing even the most agile defenders, diminutive Kraaifontein-born Cheslin Kolbe has always packed a punch far greater than his slight frame might suggest.
He has often displayed a breadth of skill on the rugby field that belies his stature, while continually adding to an ever-expanding repertoire. He has taken line-outs, fed scrums and outmuscled forwards twice his size, but even with that growing versatility, seeing him line up to assume goal-kicking duties in the season curtain-raiser against the Barbarians still left eyes wide and mouths agape.
Kolbe landed nine of his 11 conversion attempts for 18 points from the tee, finishing with 23 points overall in the Springboks’ 80–31 victory over the Barbarians in Gqeberha in June. His 82% success rate was another indication of his growing confidence with the boot.
What many initially assumed was yet another tactical tweak from Rassie Erasmus soon proved to be a genuine attempt to add another weapon to the Springboks’ arsenal.
In the opening instalment of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry against the All Blacks, Kolbe kicked with assurance, slotting four from four attempts for a personal haul of 11 points before an injury brought his evening to an early end.
With his place in the side far from certain heading into the crucial second Test, Kolbe retained his spot and responded in emphatic fashion, earning the Man of the Match award after scoring 18 points from seven kicks. His flawless record from the tee helped steer the Springboks to a hard-earned but thoroughly deserved victory.
Despite his perfect kicking display across the series, the pocket rocket was quick to deflect praise towards his teammates and coaches, while remaining characteristically focused on the task at hand.
“We need to stay on task and execute our opportunities on the field. Lots of credit goes to the boys for Saturday night, and we can just continue to get better,” said a humble Kolbe.
The world-class winger revealed that goal-kicking has long been part of his training regimen, a skill he is determined to continue developing rather than allow to stagnate.
“Kicking-wise, I have been doing it. I’ve been training since I started my professional career and I’ve just been ticking away at it.”
Kolbe finished as the leading point scorer in the 2025/26 Japan Rugby League One season, starring with the boot for Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath while serving as the side’s primary place-kicker.
“This season in Japan, with the responsibility of taking over the goal-kicking for the whole season, has definitely contributed to my kicking style and my technique,” admitted Kolbe.
“I can give credit to my coaches in Japan because they worked a lot with me, and Tony (Brown) has tweaked a few things to allow me to get more consistency.”
“Obviously, you don’t go out there wanting to miss a kick; you do your best to contribute to the team’s success. I’ll continue to make sure that I work on the skill throughout the week, and hopefully it pays off on weekends,” Kolbe added.
The magic feet may remain Kolbe’s trademark, but the boot is quickly becoming another weapon in an already formidable arsenal. Yet for all his natural talent, Kolbe stressed the importance of not resting on his laurels and continuing to work at his craft.
“In the professional setup, you get analysed so much, so you always need to bring something new to the team, and you need to develop and grow as a player.”
“I have been blessed with the talent that I am thankful for, and we will continue to keep working hard. I’ll try to execute as best as possible whenever I get to wear the jersey,” he said.
