Rassie: Cheslin a 'once-in-a-lifetime' Bok

11/01/2024 08:11 AM

Rassie Erasmus suggests two-time World Cup winner Cheslin Kolbe is the exception to the rule that no one in the current Springbok set-up is irreplaceable.

As South Africa builds towards an unprecedented Rugby World Cup three-peat in 2027, Erasmus stressed Kolbe's unique impact for the Boks, describing the pocket rocket as a "once-in-a-lifetime player” during a wide-ranging interview with the BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly.

"I think Cheslin is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of player. You very seldom get that kind of player with agility, power and savviness,” Erasmus said, indicating Kolbe's influence as the Bok coach prepares to refresh the squad over the current World Cup cycle.

“He only comes around every now and then.”

Erasmus is confident in SA’s talent pipeline, built through the Elite Player Development programme, which he launched with former Bok boss Jacques Nienaber in 2013.

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"The thing about our country is that most schools play rugby, and we have Craven Weeks and Elite Player Development Pathways," Erasmus explained.

“Guys like Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Jaden Hendrikse are coming through the pipelines… we are very much aligned.”

With key players such as Siya Kolisi, Damian de Allende, and Eben Etzebeth potentially being phased out before Australia 2027, Erasmus emphasised nurturing talent through targeted support.

He is optimistic about Bok squad depth, praising the potential of players like Hendrikse, who was selected ahead of veteran scrumhalf Faf de Klerk for the November tour.

"Jaden is actually picked ahead of Faf because Faf is ready now. There are a couple of guys, like Elrigh Louw and Jasper Wiese… who will be in their prime for the next World Cup," Erasmus remarked, hinting at a gradual shift towards the next generation.

Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images

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