Magic Moment: Kolbe replicates World Cup heroics

Published on

In a series celebrating the best rugby moments of 2021, DYLAN JACK looks back at Cheslin Kolbe’s brilliance in the British & Irish Lions series.

My highlight of 2021 comes from the series between the Springboks and the Lions. While many thought the series was overshadowed by Rassie Erasmus’ video, there was still plenty to watch on the field in all three Tests.

The peak came in the third Test, when the series was levelled at 1-1.

Having gone into the break 10-6 behind, the Springboks came out firing in the second half, swinging the momentum after the Lions had dominated possession and territory in the first half.

Handre Pollard blew two penalty attempts and it looked like the Boks had missed an opportunity to capitalise on the momentum swing.

However, after a high ball was collected by Am, the centre found Willie le Roux who, in turn, unleashed Kolbe to race over for his first try of the series. The way Kolbe had beaten two Lions defenders on the way to the tryline was reminiscent of his try in the 2019 World Cup final, when he sidestepped Owen Farrell and outgassed the cover defence to score.

While injuries prevented Kolbe from further involvement in the 2021 Test season, with this moment of magic he left a memorable mark in the most important of games.

Post by

Dylan Jack