Rugby
Best Boks v Barbarians: Electric Kolbe Makes It Rain
Cheslin Kolbe weaved his magic as the Springboks kicked off their season with a record 54-7 rout of the Barbarians in a wet and cold Cape Town on Saturday, writes Quintin van Jaarsveld.
It was complete domination by the back-to-back world champions as they romped to their biggest-ever win over the famous invitational team in what was the first game between the sides on South African soil.
The hosts led 19-0 at halftime and ultimately outscored Robbie Deans’ men by eight tries to one. Known as one of rugby’s great innovators, Bok coach Rassie Erasmus sprung two surprises by bringing on all eight substitutes in the 45th minute and playing replacement centre Andre Esterhuizen at flank.
Overall, it was a classy display by the Boks, led by Jesse Kriel for the first time after Siya Kolisi was ruled out on the eve of the historic clash, and saw the men in Green and Gold clinch the Qatar Airlines Cup.
Our top three Springbok standouts were:
Cheslin Kolbe
A Barbarians game is all about entertainment and no one thrilled the crowd more than Kolbe, who was at his mesmeric best despite the torrid conditions.
The 2024 South African Player of the Year got onto the scoreboard early, when he beat Melvyn Jaminet to Aphelele Fassi’s grubber, and he showed his giant-slaying ways by making a memorable hit on Camille Chat. However, it was in the second half that the tiny wizard truly came alive and stole the show.
He also made a good spot tackle on Leicester Fainga’anuku and was outstanding in the air, winning back three contestables. There were plenty of stars from across the world on display, but none shone brighter than the Boks’ superstar right winger, who claimed the Man of the Match award for his efforts.
Lood de Jager
The most pleasing aspect of the game from a Bok perspective was the phenomenal return of De Jager.
Almost two years since his last Bok appearance – a physically and mentally challenging period in which he struggled with injuries – the veteran lock returned to the international arena and hit the ground running.
The 32-year-old played with plenty of fire and his fingerprints were all over the game. His bustling work in general play underpinned the passion that fuelled his comeback and his dominance of the lineout, which included two steals, was a masterclass.
He was probably the clubhouse leader for the Man of the Match award at halftime and while he maintained his form in the second half and scored a try to cap off his performance, Kolbe edged him out for the individual honours.
Vincent Tshituka
One of four newcomers in the Bok matchday 23, Tshituka looked right at home with a classy all-round performance.
The industrious Congolese-born flanker carried the form that saw him earn the Sharks’ Player of the Year award over to his maiden international match and enjoyed a dream debut highlighted by a brace of tries, both from close quarters.
The 26-year-old was good on both sides of the ball, thumped Mark Tele’a with one of the hardest hits of the game and was a dependable third option in the lineouts.