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South Africa statement: Cheslin Kolbe

Cheslin Kolbe of South Africa injured on the pitch during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Gold Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
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Double World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe has been ruled out of South Africa’s Twickenham clash against Wales.

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Kolbe is sidelined due to a knee issue and will miss the game on June 22.

South Africa then face Ireland in a two-Test series, starting on July 6, with only a possibility at this stage of him being fit for the first encounter in Pretoria.

Kolbe, one of the quickest wings and most lethal finishers in world rugby, was hurt during the Japanese league season at his club side, Tokyo-based Suntory Sungoliath.

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Jake White on the CC

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Jake White on the CC

“After consultation with the (Springboks) medical team on Sunday, he was released on Monday to seek a specialist opinion,” SA Rugby said.

“Kolbe returned to camp on Wednesday afternoon to follow a rehabilitation programme.

“He will do his rehabilitation under the supervision of the Bok medical staff with an eye on possibly being available for selection for the opening Test against Ireland.”

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Phantom 47 minutes ago
Nations Championship: 'The data shows the north has finally caught up with the south'

Fact: the gap between the North and the South has narrowed considerably - that I get. However, determining that only selecting only Home grown players or playing in the home country is is the optimal strategy is a bit of a toss up and highly reliant on the economies of the home union. I do understand that England and to a lesser degree Ireland selects home based only. The top 14 is a massive threat to their domestic product. France would probably not be affected (the money is at home). Fiji, Argentina, Samoa, Italy and you could even argue Scotland have only benefitted from this. Their players either go overseas to learn at higher levels (Fiji, Samoa, Argentina) or players coming into their leagues to strengthen the home product and their National teams (Scotland, Italy, Japan).

South Africa used to limit its selection to the home based players, but the reality of a weak currency vs what players could earn oversees meant that you lost access to your best players at some stage of their careers, with very few exceptions. Kolbe left SA as he was considered too small for International Rugby (yes coaches/selectors view), but ironically in France he forced selectors to notice his endeavors and select him. He is only reaching 50 caps now despite being north of 30 - granted rotation and the odd injury also played a role, but for the most part it is having debuted or becoming a regular so late.



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