Talented Kolbe praised by Fleck
COMMITTED: STORMERS FLYER HAULED IN NO 8 VENTER
Moving from No 15 to wing has been a success story.
For so long being undervalued at national level because of his lack of size, Cheslin Kolbe had to move from fullback to wing to underline his exceptional talent.
With the Stormers looking for the perfect mix between attack and defence ahead of hosting former champions the Chiefs this weekend, the rise of fullback SP Marais has seen Kolbe with little choice to make the No 14 jumper his own.
Stormers coach Robbie Fleck said it was the kind of commitment shown by Kolbe to haul in Cheetahs No 8 Henco Venter last weekend when he looked destined to score which underlined their passion.
“That showed what this team is about at the moment, that neversay-die attitude,” said Fleck.
“I was really pleased for Cheslin and I celebrated that purely because of his effort.”
Fleck said the manner in which the team were more elated by this act of bravery than any of the eight tries they scored showed him they were on the right track.
“To see the team rally around him is a good feeling,” said Fleck.
“I have been in that situation before, being tackled on the line, so I know what it feels like.”
Kolbe himself said they are well aware of the threat the Chiefs will bring, although the Kiwis looked vulnerable for large periods in the first half against the Bulls in Hamilton before they eventually broke clear to win 28-12.
“I think it’s important to keep to what we are normally doing and what has worked for us the entire year,” said Kolbe.
“If there’s an opportunity to move the ball wide, then that’s what we’ll do.”
And with left wing Dillyn Leyds also in top form, the back three of Marais, Kolbe and Leyds could just pose a few questions of their own.