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Cheslin Kolbe's startling revelation about the origin of his mesmerising sidestep
Toulouse winger Cheslin Kolbe has revealed how he first started to perfect his world-famous sidestep as a kid at home in South Africa – running to the shower or to get something from the fridge.
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A star of the Springboks’ 2019 World Cup triumph, a glory that saw him leave England’s Owen Farrell for dead on his way to the try-line in Yokohama, European rugby fans were reminded of Kolbe’s fast-stepping talents when he helped Toulouse defeat Ulster last weekend.
Jacob Stockdale, the scorer of Ireland’s crucial try in their breakthrough 2018 win over the All Blacks in Dublin, was left looking foolish as Kolbe sidestepped him on route to the quarter-final try-line in France.
Ahead of this Saturday’s semi-final at Exeter, Kolbe has now told an EPCR media conference that this particular skill originated at the family home.
“When I was a kid growing up at home, whenever I went to take a shower or to get something from the fridge in the kitchen I always used to run and make sure I sidestepped something,” explained the 26-year-old.
There was no stopping @StadeToulousain yesterday as they cruised past @UlsterRugby into the #HeinekenChampionsCup semi-finals 🙌
Could they go all the way and claim a 5th European title? 🏆
Relive the best bits from their five-try victory 🎥 pic.twitter.com/AsUrh8PB7G
— Investec Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) September 21, 2020
“I also developed it playing touch rugby in the streets with my friends, trying all kinds of things to give the person trying to stop me a bit of a headache. I can step off both feet. A lot of players are mostly dominant off one foot, but I put as much emphasis on both feet. To be honest, sometimes I don’t know what I do on the field. It’s just my body taking over. I surprise myself.”
Kolbe will likely go head-to-head at Sandy Park against Jack Nowell, a winger he knows well from a South Africa versus England encounter at the Junior World Cup seven years ago.
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“Jack is a special player,” Kolbe said. “I played against him in the U20 World Cup in 2013 and he really caught my eye. The turn of speed he has, the power and the sidestepping as well. He is really a great player, a player that has a lot to provide to a team.
“We probably play the same style of rugby, and I am looking forward to the weekend and catching up with him again. We speak every now and then on social media. He has a family, I also have a family, that’s how we got started. We just try and keep up that relationship.”
Toulouse are chasing a record fifth European Cup and while they haven’t lifted the trophy since 2010, Kolbe doesn’t feel any pressure heading into this weekend’s semi-final in Devon. “The thing that drives me is my family, my daughter and the amazing support that I have behind me – and the people back home in South Africa and the community I grew up in.
“I play this game to hopefully inspire those people in my (South African) community to not fall into the trap of gangsters and drugs. Each and every morning I wake up I think about why I do this and why I want to keep succeeding in life and wanting the best for me as a player.”
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Personally, I don’t believe size matters. Every player has two arms and two legs – @Cheslin_Kolbe11
The only difference being that some legs move a lot faster than others.
✍️ Gavin Mortimerhttps://t.co/MfcP3eu2mM
— RugbyPass+ (@RugbyPassPlus) September 20, 2020
Comments on RugbyPass
Why do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
14 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
14 Go to comments