The verdict is in on the Kolbe-at-No10 experiment

Rugby World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe is fast becoming the most versatile player on the planet after his performance at fly-half at the weekend. 

The Springbok winger started at No10 for Toulouse against Racing 92 in the Top 14 on Sunday and he impressed many in a narrow 30-27 loss. 

With some of the most dangerous feet in the game, there was never any doubt that the 26-year-old was going to cause havoc in the middle of the field at fly-half, but there is a huge amount more required of that position.

However, his pass for Pita Ahki’s try was a glimpse of his vision as a half-back and a sign that he does not simply pose a threat as a runner, but as a distributor too. 

https://twitter.com/the_bash_factor/status/1229108882586427399?s=20

https://twitter.com/liam_gordont/status/1229136806609915904?s=20

However, it was his kicking display that received the most attention as it caught many fans off guard.

After scrum-half Sebastien Bezy went off with a head injury, the South African took on the kicking responsibilities for the team, amassing ten points through two penalties and two conversions. 

https://twitter.com/NdipzZingani/status/1229118552680079362?s=20

He's had a much better game at 10 than Russell…

— Jack Counsell (@JackCounsell) February 16, 2020

Of these kicks, one was a 48-metre penalty and one was a touchline conversion, as Kolbe showed that he has many strings to his bow. 

It is one thing being asked to play at fly-half, but it is another to kick so impressively, particularly when very few were aware he was capable of it. 

What can't Kolbe do on a rugby pitch? Even did well at scrumhalf last year ? https://t.co/eznH5IbIMn

— FREE PALESTINE???? (@SAandPalestine) February 17, 2020

*Fly-half* Cheslin Kolbe’s named in the #Top14 team of the week along with Montpellier’s hat-trick hero @nemani_nadolo

Stade Francais’ Pablo Matera and Yoann Maestri also in there too after the Parisians’ added-time win over La Rochelle pic.twitter.com/0y0fmpHUq6

— Illtud W. Dafydd (@IlltudDafydd) February 17, 2020

Cheslin Kolbe at 10 for Toulouse v Racing 92 ?

7? Carries????
? Passes ?
3? Defenders beaten ?
1? Offload ?
1?7? Running metres ?
6? Tackles?
1? Missed tackle??
1? Try Assist??
2? Penalties?
2? Conversions??
? Points?#SaffasAbroad pic.twitter.com/imKhAyKBrK

— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) February 17, 2020

Such was his display that he earned a place in the Top 14 team of the week and his stock as a rugby player has only risen. Accomplished across the back three, Kolbe can also play at scrum-half, so can now cover five positions across the back line. 

He has even packed down at No8 for Toulouse in the past, although they were for one-off set moves, exploiting his explosive pace from the base of the scrum. 

With so many players on international duty, this was a risk which Toulouse felt had to be made and Kolbe’s excursion in a new position has potential.

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