The verdict is in on the Kolbe-at-No10 experiment

Rugby World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe is fast becoming the most versatile player on the planet after his performance at fly-half at the weekend. 

The Springbok winger started at No10 for Toulouse against Racing 92 in the Top 14 on Sunday and he impressed many in a narrow 30-27 loss. 

With some of the most dangerous feet in the game, there was never any doubt that the 26-year-old was going to cause havoc in the middle of the field at fly-half, but there is a huge amount more required of that position.

However, his pass for Pita Ahki’s try was a glimpse of his vision as a half-back and a sign that he does not simply pose a threat as a runner, but as a distributor too. 

However, it was his kicking display that received the most attention as it caught many fans off guard.

After scrum-half Sebastien Bezy went off with a head injury, the South African took on the kicking responsibilities for the team, amassing ten points through two penalties and two conversions. 

Of these kicks, one was a 48-metre penalty and one was a touchline conversion, as Kolbe showed that he has many strings to his bow. 

It is one thing being asked to play at fly-half, but it is another to kick so impressively, particularly when very few were aware he was capable of it. 

Such was his display that he earned a place in the Top 14 team of the week and his stock as a rugby player has only risen. Accomplished across the back three, Kolbe can also play at scrum-half, so can now cover five positions across the back line. 

He has even packed down at No8 for Toulouse in the past, although they were for one-off set moves, exploiting his explosive pace from the base of the scrum. 

With so many players on international duty, this was a risk which Toulouse felt had to be made and Kolbe’s excursion in a new position has potential.

WATCH: Schalk Brits speaks to RugbyPass about his experiences bringing the William Webb Ellis trophy back to South Africa