New Bok speedster comments on being likened to Cheslin Kolbe

August 03, 2022
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Ultimate Rugby

Kurt-Lee Arendse will earn his second test cap on Saturday against the All Blacks as he comes into the starting XV in place of the injured Cheslin Kolbe.

Kolbe broke his jaw in the third test between South Africa and Wales and has subsequently been ruled out of the two tests against the All Blacks.

Arendse made his test debut against Wales in the second test match starting on the right wing.

Like Kolbe, Arendse represented the Blitzboks before making his test debut for the Springboks.

His size and elusive ability with the ball in hand has drawn obvious comparisons to Kolbe.

“I am very grateful for this opportunity,” said Arendse at the team's base in Nelspruit on Wednesday.

“It’s a real privilege to follow in Cheslin’s footsteps. Cheslin has a good sidestep and he is strong in the air and a very explosive player, so there is a lot to admire about him.”

Of his meteoric rise to the Springbok, Arendse said: “I didn’t think a year ago that I would play for the Springboks, so I’m extremely grateful for this chance and hopefully I can grab it with both hands.”

Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber also sees the similarities between his Rugby World Cup-winning winger and his rookie.

“Kurt-Lee performed well in the second Test and there are a lot of similarities when you look at his game and Cheslin's,” Nienaber said.

“We've got a like-for-like replacement there, but we're also rewarding performance. I think he played very well in the Wales Test.”