By Adnaan Mohamed
Cheslin Kolbe expects the All Blacks to come out firing when the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series moves back to Johannesburg next weekend.
South Africa levelled the four-Test series at 1-1 with a hard-fought 33-26 victory at DHL Stadium on Saturday, with Kolbe’s flawless goal-kicking proving decisive as he contributed 18 points.
The Springboks now face another examination at the FNB Stadium in Soweto against a New Zealand side smarting from its first defeat of the year.
“When you lose, the team is always going to come back with a point to prove,” Kolbe said.
The third Test at FNB Stadium on 5 September presents the Boks with an opportunity to seize control of the series, but Kolbe believes there is plenty for Rassie Erasmus’ side to address before then.
“We need to go back on Monday and see where we didn’t capitalise on opportunities,” he said.
“New Zealand are a quality team; they attack well and they cut us open a few times. We definitely need to look at where we can improve and get better as a team.”
That assessment carries weight.
The Boks built a 24-14 half-time lead in Cape Town, yet the All Blacks fought back with four tries and were within seven points late in the contest. South Africa’s ability to close out the match under pressure was significant, but the defensive cracks New Zealand exposed will give the coaching staff plenty of video to pore over.
Kolbe also offered an insight into the mood around the Bok camp following their 33-16 defeat at Ellis Park.
“We could feel the atmosphere, not negativity but less energy, throughout the week because of the loss last week,” he said.
“As they always say, when we lose, it’s ‘n Blou Maandag [a Blue Monday]. We felt that, but we just wanted to rectify it.
“It wasn’t easy at all; we needed to stay in the fight. It’s going to be like that for the next two matches.”
Kolbe’s own contribution has added another string to his already crowded bow.
The Stormers-bound back credited his season in Japan, where he took responsibility for goal-kicking, as well as Springbok assistant coach Tony Brown, for helping improve his technique and consistency.
“This season in Japan, I had the responsibility of taking over the goal-kicking and that’s contributed to my style and technique.
“I can also give credit to the coaches in Japan, and Tony in the Springbok set-up is doing a few things for me so I can get more consistency.
“That’s the same for every rugby player; you always need to bring something new to the team … it’s contributing to the team’s success,” he said.
Asked how far he could kick a goal, Kolbe offered a typically cheeky response:
“I think most of the balls tonight were just over the crossbar!”
The joke was vintage Kolbe. His kicking, meanwhile, was anything but a laughing matter.
With the series delicately poised, the Boks have momentum. The All Blacks have motivation.
Soweto should have plenty of both.