'I love visiting restaurants with Cheslin because you're more than likely to get a couple of drinks or a meal free with it'
All Blacks World Cup winner Jerome Kaino has revealed he loves heading out on the town in Toulouse with Cheslin Kolbe as the superstar popularity of the Springboks World Cup-winning winger in the French city always delivers some ver welcome perks.
Back row Kaino and wide man Kolbe are in England this weekend as Toulouse, chasing their record fifth Champions Cup title, take on Premiership leaders Exeter in the semi-finals at Sandy Park.
Kolbe was at the heart in helping Toulouse reach the last-four when his ridiculous footwork ripped Ulster asunder in last Sunday’s quarter-final. A scrum cap hides Kolbe’s head when he plays, but Kaino has reported that no-one in Toulouse fails to recognise the little winger when he is out and about away from the rugby scene.
“He [Kolbe] is massive over here,” said Kaino, the All Blacks World Cup winner, during a guest appearance on All Access, the Rugby Pass interview show, ahead of the European semi-final.
“I don’t think he can go unnoticed in the city or out in public. I love visiting restaurants with him because when Cheslin’s in the restaurant you’re more than likely to get a couple of drinks free or a meal free with it, so it’s great.
This is excellent ? https://t.co/H2o8tBt7ER
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 24, 2020
“He’s definitely one of the best players that I have ever been lucky enough to play with. It’s very rare that you get a player that is headhunted during a game and even when he is headhunted he gets the ball and he does something with it.
“I don’t think there is a player in the game right now that can beat anyone (like him) one on one. It’s just incredible and sometimes when the lungs are going a bit and you see him do his magic it definitely gives you a bit of a boost.
“He definitely does work hard on a lot of aspects of his game. It’s great for our team culture as well to be able to see someone of that stature just work hard at his craft. It brings some good habits into our younger guys.
“Definitely I see some of those things are natural talent, natural gifts, but I do see him work hard on a lot of those things that people might not think he is good at. He is pretty physical for a small guy and he definitely works hard at the tackle and the breakdown. A lot of those twinkle toes things, that is just a naturally gifted talent.”
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
— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) September 21, 2020
Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
15 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments