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Scare for Springboks as Cheslin Kolbe forced from the field after seven minutes of play against Clermont
By Sam Smith
The Springboks camp were delivered a scare in Toulouse's Top 14 clash against Clermont when star wing Cheslin Kolbe limped from the field after just seven minutes of play.
After becoming entangled in a tackle near the sideline, Kolbe twisted awkwardly under the weight of the tackler. After receiving some medical attention from the team doctor, he was forced from the field.
Springbok fans on Twitter were quick to put two-and-two together, with Kolbe a must-start for the upcoming Lions tour any injury could heavily influence the outcome of the series without his game-changing talents.
The injury to the European champions allowed Clermont to strike immediately through France international Damian Penaud and take a 7-0 lead.
Toulouse were struck with injury again midway through the second half, with flyhalf Romain Ntamack coming from the field in the 61st minute. Surprisingly, that saw Kolbe return to action in Ntamack's place, dispelling fears that he had suffered a major injury.
The Springbok star went on to influence proceedings, making an impressive try-saving tackle after running down Clermont winger Peter Betham after an intercept. Kolbe then got to his feet and snaffled the ball to complete the turnover tackle.
Kolbe had another moment of brilliance, cutting through the Clermont defence with his trademark step before keeping the ball alive with a basketball-pass. With one more offload off the ground, Toulouse scored a stunning try that was unfortunately called back for a forward pass.
A late try to Tim Nanai-Williams gave Clermont a chance at victory but a penalty goal from Thomas Ramos secured a 36-27 win for Toulouse as they chase a double after winning the Champions Cup against La Rochelle two weeks ago.
The league win retained first place on the Top 14 ladder with La Rochelle, with both clubs equal on 77 competition points.
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Latest Comments
Australia definitely the game of the weekend. Wallabies by 3.
Go to commentsSmith is playing a different game with the rest of the backs struggling to understand. That's the problem with so called playmakers, if nobody gets what they're doing then it often just leads to a turnover. It gets worse when Borthwick changes one of them, which is why they don't score points at the end. Sometimes having a brilliant playmaker can be problematic if a team cannot be built around them. Once again Borthwick seems lacking in either coaching or selection. I can't help but think it's the latter coupled with pressure to select the big name players.
Lastly, his forward replacements are poor and exposed either lack of depth or selection pressure. Cole hemorrhages scrum penalties whenever he comes on, opponents take advantage of the England scrum and close out the game. Is that the best England can offer?
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