Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe is known as quite possibly the best side stepper in the international game.
Nigh on impossible to tackle in one-on-one situations, the Toulon flier is one of the most exciting players to watch in space.
It is not just the magic of his footwork that makes Kolbe special, but also his ability to make a play at a crucial moment.
More often than not, this involves a try, with the two most notable of his scores coming in the 2019 World Cup final and then two years later against the British and Irish Lions.
Should Cheslin Kolbe play at wing or fullback for the Springboks? đź’ pic.twitter.com/T2ZHDva0SU
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) May 22, 2023
Yet, in this past weekend’s Challenge Cup final, where Toulon were looking to secure their first piece of silverware since 2015, it was his defensive work that stood out.
One moment, in particular, was a pair of back-to-back hits on Glasgow’s lethal finisher Sebastian Cancelliere.
The Argentinean international was once again playing a key role for the Warriors in attack and looked to create a spark for his side as they trailed with eight minutes left to play.
As Cancelliere received the pass, he also received a flying Kolbe, who clattered into him with incredible force to kill both moves immediately.
Showing his rugby intelligence, Kolbe rushed inwards, completely stopping the Warriors’ wide attacking game.
As if the first hit wasn’t enough, Kolbe then followed up with a second whack that summed up the Warriors’ day as they were left scratching their head as to how they got dominated.
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