Cape Town - Cheslin Kolbe is set for a new role for the Stormers in Super Rugby this year.
The position where he is going to play is unlikely to change as the pint-sized stepper will remain at fullback for the Cape franchise. But Stormers fans may see Kolbe popping up at first receiver more often than not during the course of competition.
Coach Robbie Fleck says they want to use Kolbe’s play-making abilities this year after he shone for the BlitzBokke in this role in the absence of Cecil Africa and Justin Geduld in the previous two Sevens World Series tournaments in Wellington and Sydney.
Of course, there is a lot more space in the Sevens game to create that little bit of magic, but Kolbe is no stranger to taking the ball at first receiver in the 15-man game.
A few years ago, in the Currie Cup, Kolbe was used from set moves at flyhalf. He was deadly in one match against the Lions when he skipped past a few defenders before putting his fellow Sevens Bok Juan de Jongh away to score.
Kolbe is also incredibly dangerous around the rucks and mauls as he has the ability to beat the big forwards at close quarters with his ridiculous stepping.
Kolbe is one of the most dangerous attacking players in the Stormers team and letting him get his hands on the ball a lot more could be the secret ingredient to spice up their new gameplan.
“If you look at the how Cheslin has been playing in the play-making role - he has always been a traditional sweeper in Sevens - he has really stepped up because of the injuries after he was put in that position,” Fleck said.
“We all know that Cheslin can be an out-and-out strike runner, but it's his playmaking abilities that have been untapped and that is something we have to utilise.
“It’s going to benefit the Stormers hugely,” the Cape side's coach added.
It’s a pity for the Stormers that Kolbe has missed the bulk of their pre-season to practice the kinds of scenarios when he may come in at first receiver.
But the same goes for the likes of centre De Jongh (Sevens duty), flank Schalk Burger and lock Eben Etzebeth (both Japan), who are key players for the Stormers.
Fleck has had a lot of disruptions so far, especially if you also count the injuries to key players. It's the reason why the above-mentioned players aren't available for today's friendly against Los Jaguares at Newlands (4pm).
But Fleck says they have adapted well and pre-season has gone really well. For now it's just about getting the players properly integrated before their first Super Rugby match against the Bulls at Newlands in two weeks time.
“We have had to get on with it throughout this pre-season. I have known about (the disruptions) since I was appointed,” he said.
“One thing that was clear from SA Rugby’s side was when Juan and Cheslin will be joining us. Likewise with the guys in Japan, it was quite clear when they were going to return.
“From a planning perspective, it's been great that communication has been there and it's been easier for me to plan. The challenge now is to get these guys integrated into the system and into the team. – Saturday Star