Bok wingers Kolbe, Arendse hoping to bring their X-factor to World Cup final

In the 2019 Rugby World Cup final at the Yokohama Stadium in Japan between South Africa and England, Springbok wingers Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe made history as they both scored tries in the 32-12 win by the Boks.

It was the first time that the Boks scored tries in a World Cup final having failed to do so in the 1995 and 2007 editions. Mapimpi and Kolbe brought their X-factor to the tournament four years ago and delivered when it mattered most in the final.

The Springboks will once again be involved in another World Cup final on Saturday evening when they take on New Zealand at the Stade de France in Paris.

The starting wingers this time will be Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, who have been the preferred starters in the tournament. They have been steady and showed their importance when they each scored a try in the 29-28 win over France in the quarter-finals.

‘Massive for South Africa’

With all the pre-match talk focused on the forwards and the 7-1 bench has allowed the Boks’ two deadly wingers to stay calm and focus on the job on Saturday.

“Not every rugby player or team gets the opportunity to play in the Rugby World Cup final so to do so twice in a row is massive for South Africa,” said Kolbe when asked how he’s coping with the occasion.

“It is going to be up to us as players to be up for it. It is about visualising certain scenarios of the game and how they will go and mentally and physically making sure we are well prepared. We want to bring about calmness as well.

“My main focus will be to go out on the field and express this wonderful talent I’ve been given and do my best. I am definitely looking forward to it,” he said.

‘Excited’

Arendse, who has been a revelation since bursting onto the international rugby scene, will be making his first appearance in a World Cup final on Saturday. To be prepared for this huge encounter, Arendse sought counsel from Kolbe.

“I am really excited (about the final),” said Arendse.

“I asked Cheslin how he felt in 2019 playing in his first Rugby World Cup final and he said he was very chilled. Yeah, there is a bit of emotion but also calmness. I am really excited.

“I think it is going to be a good challenge and I am looking forward to it,“ said the 27-year-old.