VIDEO: Kolbe responds to kicking allegations
VIDEO: Everyone is speculating who will step up to the plate to take the goal-kicking responsibilities for the Springboks against Argentina in Mbombela on Saturday, and Bok wing Cheslin Kolbe says he is also not sure if it will be him.
Kolbe spoke to reporters at the team hotel in Mbombela on Wednesday afternoon and said he had been practicing his kicking in the Stadium this week, but still doesn’t know if the kicking tee will be handed to him.
The versatile Kolbe has kicked at goal for the Boks before, as well as for his French and Japanese clubs.
Kolbe, Jaden Hendrikse, and Manie Libbok all had shots at goal during training this week.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus reiterated on Tuesday that Libbok is not in the team for his goal kicking, but his talent.
Pollard, playing off the bench, has been the most consistent kicker for the Boks in recent years.
“I have been working on it [kicking] throughout the season and getting tips and advice from guys like Handre [Pollard], Manie, and coach Tony [Brown] as well.
“It helps me, gives me that confidence so I am comfortable doing so and I have been working on my kicking which is good,” Kolbe commented after being asked if he was tasked with the kicking duties this week.
“You never know what could happen on the day and if that does happen, as long as I am confident, I am happy to help and contribute to the team in any way I can.
“I have only trained at the stadium this week and it’s a good field, you can get a bit distance as well,” he said, confirming that he has never kicked at goal at the Mbombela stadium before.
“So I am not sure who is taking over yet, but whoever it is, will take over the responsibility.
“If I kick on Saturday, I kick. I worked on my kicking last season.
“If it happens that I need to kick, I am confident enough and happy to do it for the team,” the utility back said.
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Kolbe has been utilised in a myriad of ways in the Springbok set-up, varying his wing duties with line-out throwing and putting the ball in at the scrum.
Asked what makes him so versatile, the diminutive and soft-spoken Kolbe said: “I think the Sevens helped me quite a bit, especially with the line-out throwing.
“I actually couldn’t believe it when the coaches came to me and said they had a plan.
“As long as I am comfortable and confident to do a job, I am happy to do so,” he said with a smile.
