Kolbe: Dynamite comes in small packages

A highlight of the Rugby World Cup in Japan has been the number of smaller rugby players making massive contributions to their team's campaigns.

You don’t need to look any further than the Springbok side to affirm the fact. Former Blitzbok-star-turned-fifteens-wizard Cheslin Kolbe has lit up the Springbok cause with his dazzling runs and jaw-dropping sidesteps.

The right wing has been the bane of every team he’s faced so far in the competition, starting with an amazing individual performance against the All Blacks which he followed up with a man-of-the-match performance against Italy.

But Kolbe is not the only compact player to have made a big mark on the competition so far.

Both of Japan’s wingers, Kenki Fukuoka and Kotaro Matsushima, have been in outstanding form in the competition and have been game-breakers for Japan when it has counted most. 

Another standout has been Wales scrumhalf Gareth Davies, who’s sheer pace and skill set has seen him score a couple of brilliant individual tries. 

It was fitting that Kolbe was asked to talk on behalf of the smaller players that are making headlines in Japan so far. The wing has also recovered from an ankle injury and is expected to start on the right wing this weekend.

Talking to the media on Wednesday ahead of their quarterfinal date with Japan, Kolbe said the likes of Fukuoka, Matsushima and himself are just doing their part for their sides. 

"There is a saying going around that dynamite comes in small packages. We all have something special we can contribute to our teams. Both Japanese wingers are playing phenomenal rugby, and that is what we have to do for our national teams,” Kolbe said. 

"For me, it’s about giving as much momentum as possible for our forwards to keep going on the front foot." 

On the Japanese threat 

In the space of a month, Japan has gone from a tier two nation that had a slim chance of making the playoffs to beating Ireland, Scotland, Russia and Samoa to top pool A unbeaten. 

The team has stayed true their open, attack-orientated style of rugby while showing astute tactical proficiency in order to beat Six Nations heavyweights Ireland and Scotland. 

It is a challenge that Kolbe admits is enjoyable to watch and a style of rugby that he enjoys playing as well. 

"Japan are playing exciting rugby. They are giving the ball a lot of air, and want to stretch your defensive structures. It’s a style I love to play as well,” Kolbe said.

"But we have our own structures and plan we want to implement, especially this weekend, and cut down their options to force them into some structure."

READ: Brave Blossoms bloom after Typhoon Hagibis destruction

A question that has been asked numerous times this week is whether the Springboks have the mental edge over Japan considering their 41-7 victory in their pre-World Cup warm up match five weeks ago.

As Kolbe explains, the situation is vastly different given the do-or-die nature of the clash. He also believes that Japan are much improved in contrast to their most recent outing. 

"Playing them in September, we knew there was a bit of pressure because of what happened in 2015. But we knew we had a plan that we wanted to focus on and implement on the field. 

"We got the victory in that match, but if you look at Japan at the World Cup, they have definitely evolved and improved their game in different departments – especially line-speed in defence, and a lot of attacking at the breakdowns. They have definitely worked on a few things, and are a better team than in September." 

The Springboks face Japan in the fourth quarterfinal of the Rugby World Cup on Sunday in Tokyo. Kickoff is 12h15 South African time.

Catch up on the latest Rugby World Cup updates powered by Hollywoodbets