Cheslin Kolbe Praises Springboks After 33-26 Win Over All Blacks in Cape Town
- Cheslin Kolbe was a late inclusion in the Springbok squad after recovering from a knock sustained at Ellis Park the previous week
- The Boks levelled Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series 1-1 against the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday
- Kolbe reflected on how the team responded to their first-Test struggles with discipline and clinical execution
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Cheslin Kolbe credited his Springbok teammates' mental resolve for turning around a disappointing first-Test defeat as South Africa claimed a 33-26 victory over the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, 29 August 2026.
The result squared Rugby's Greatest Rivalry four-Test series at 1-1, restoring South African confidence after a frustrating performance at Ellis Park the previous week.
Kolbe Delivers Under Pressure
Kolbe had been uncertain to feature after picking up a knock in the first Test, but recovered in time to earn a place in the match-day 23. He made the most of his inclusion, finishing with 18 points from the kicking tee in a flawless goal-kicking display that earned him the Man of the Match award.
Speaking to SuperSport after the final whistle, Kolbe first turned his attention to the Cape Town crowd, thanking South African supporters for standing behind the team after the disappointment of the first Test.
The Springbok wing acknowledged that the defeat at Ellis Park had left the team facing a different atmosphere heading into the Cape Town rematch, but said the players were determined to repay the faith shown in them. He stressed that wearing the Springbok jersey carried a responsibility to make the country, their families and the team itself proud.
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Kolbe also thanked the supporters for sticking with the Boks through the setback, insisting that the team would take the lessons from the opening Test and continue improving as the series progressed.
Lessons From Ellis Park Applied
Kolbe was candid about what cost the Boks in the opening fixture, pointing to a failure to convert pressure and opportunities into points on the scoreboard.
"That's Test match rugby. You need to take every point that's given to you and I think last week we didn't capitalise on that," he said.
"But to turn it around tonight, just credit to the boys for sticking to the plan and just taking the points on offer. It's never easy against the All Blacks, and that's why it's called the Greatest Rivalry for occasions like this."
With two Tests still to play in the series, Kolbe urged the group to remain focused rather than celebrate prematurely.
"Two more to go and we'll keep our feet on the ground, continue to learn and come better next week," he added.
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The win also saw the Springboks reclaim the world number one ranking, ahead of the third Test next weekend.
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Source: Briefly News
