'We all said he was too small': Rassie lauds Kolbe on milestone
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus believes Cheslin Kolbe has spent his entire career proving that heart matters far more than size.
The electrifying winger will celebrate his 50th Test cap alongside Damian Willemse when South Africa face England at Ellis Park on Saturday, and Erasmus says the occasion is richly deserved for two players who have become pillars of the Springbok team.
Kolbe’s journey to the milestone has been anything but straightforward.
When he was first considered for Springbok selection, many doubted whether his 1.71m frame could survive Test rugby.
“All of us said he was too small in the beginning,” Erasmus admitted.
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But John Dobson, at the time the Western Province Under-20 coach, convinced him otherwise.
“He said, ‘Listen, this guy can turn a game around on his own. That’s how good he is.'”
Eight years after making his Test debut against Australia in Brisbane in 2018, Kolbe has become one of the game’s biggest match-winners, helping the Springboks lift two Rugby World Cups while earning two World Rugby Player of the Year nominations.
Erasmus pointed to several moments that define Kolbe’s influence, including his match-changing intercept try against New Zealand in Wellington and his famous charge-down of Thomas Ramos’ conversion in the 2023 World Cup quarterfinal against France.
Despite now being 32, Kolbe continues to evolve. Having taken on goal-kicking duties for Tokyo Sungoliath in Japan, he carried that confidence into the Springboks’ Barbarians match, landing nine of 11 kicks.
For Erasmus, however, statistics don’t tell the full story.
“The big thing about Cheslin is that he’s a small man with a big heart,” Erasmus said.
“He serves the team so well. I couldn’t believe he’s only getting to 50 caps now because it feels like he’s been around forever. I’m very glad for him.”
Kolbe won’t celebrate alone.
Willemse, who made his debut just weeks before Kolbe in 2018, will also reach the 50-Test mark after establishing himself as one of the most versatile backs in world rugby.
Erasmus said having two players reach the milestone together gives the Springboks extra motivation heading into their Nations Championship opener.
“They’ve both been stalwarts for us over the years, and as a team, we’d like to make it a memorable day for them,” he said.
“It’s not every day that you have two players playing their 50th Test.”
While Erasmus insists milestones don’t change the outcome of matches, he knows there is one way to make the day truly special.
“If we’re winning, it will be special for them. We love them and we’re very proud of both of them.”
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