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Cheslin Kolbe returns for South Africa for Rugby World Cup final
By Tom Vinicombe
Rassie Erasmus had made one change to the Springboks match-day squad for their Rugby World Cup final with England.
Cheslin Kolbe, who sat out the semi-final with an ankle injury, has recovered in time for his nation's shot at a third title.
The South Africans will enter the final with history on their side; they've never lost a World Cup final.
England, by contrast, fell to South Africa in 2007 - the last time the two teams met in a World Cup.
Erasmus was candid during the week and suggested that the Springboks were unlikely to deviate from the tactics that won them their semi-final with Wales.
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“The big thing is that we’ve got only 160 minutes of training – 60 minutes of team training, 40-60 minutes of split training between the forwards and backs," Erasmus said. "So, we’ve got two days of training sessions, so not a lot will change.
“I guess you can expect very much the same from us on Saturday.”
That means plenty of box kicks from halfback Faf de Klerk, who has been one of the Springboks' best in 2019.
Erasmus and his charges have had plenty of experience playing England over the last few seasons and should have some idea of what to expect in the final.
“We’ve played England four times in the last two years, and score is 2-2. The last test match that we played was a very close test at Twickenham. I know both teams have definitely improved since then.
“What I do expect on the field is a very well-coached England team. A fit England team with a great tactical plan, and then obviously the physicality that England brought to New Zealand was just next level last Saturday.
“It’s been a long time since I saw an England team pitch up with that amount of physicality. They must be brimming with confidence, and I’m sure they are ready to bring that same intensity. We will have to be really up to try and match that.
“They definitely put teams under a lot of pressure defensively, with their line-speed – obviously, John Mitchell has got a lot to do with that."
Captain Siya Kolisi will run out for his 50th Test cap in the final, which kicks off at 6pm JST from Yokohama Stadium on Saturday.
South Africa: Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Lukanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk, Duane Vermeulen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (c), Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Tendai Mtawarira. Reserves: Malcolm Marx, Stephen Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Franco Mostert, Francois Louw, Herschel Jantjies, Frans Steyn.
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Latest Comments
Jamie Hannah gets mentioned. He debuted for the Crusaders in 2023 before even playing for Canterbury. He played well last year for both teams, like others injury has played its part thus far. But he is bulking up and will only get better,being a lock , longevity is the key. I recently read Sam Whitelocks outstanding book co written with Dylan Cleaver and you realize that long careers , even the great ones have there winding turns. Every team has its unsung heroes with the team I support the Crusaders , the likes of Tom Christie, Cullen Grace , just play so consistently year in year out. Corey Kellow after an outstanding 2024 is one whose star is on the rise.
Go to commentsJordie has a boot on him , he’s big and fast … he was made for full back . On the counter attack in the air he would of been a menace .
First game in Europe at 15 and he’s carving up 🤦♂️ …
They just didn’t have the nuts to bench Beauden . But he’s always been a superb super sub . Coming on when the opposition is tired , no one would be able to compete with him .
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