A warning shot has been fired in Italy’s direction by Springbok flyer Cheslin Kolbe as the teams prepare to go toe-to-toe in a double-header in consecutive weekends in Tshwane and Gqeberha.
After helping his team blitz the Barbarians 54-7 in Cape Town on Saturday, try-hungry Kolbe said the Boks would be building and improving week by week before clashes against the Azzurri.
He said the Boks had not been at their best against the BaaBaas, but would be working tirelessly to improve before facing Italy at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday and at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium the next weekend.
The ace wing was named man of the match after a dazzling display in tricky conditions underfoot as the rampant Boks outscored the Barbarians by eight tries to one.
“It wasn’t the best of conditions, so I want to thank the supporters who came out to support the Springboks and this wonderful game of rugby,” Kolbe said.
“This was not the best game from us as a team, but it is a good way to start the season.
“I am sure there is a lot more we want to improve on, so I am just looking forward to us building on this week by week.”
“The message was clear this week.
“This was a Test match for us; we respect the BaaBaas coming out here, and I know they didn’t have a lot of preparation.
“But all the focus was on us and making sure that we get better one percent at a time.
“So not the best performance, but I think we can take a lot out of tonight.”
“You don’t get a lot of opportunities out wide, so you have to go and look for some work on the inside.
“But I always say you have to give credit to the guys on the inside for making it easier for us, which they did today, and that allowed us to capitalise on those opportunities.
“The nines were also spot-on with their kicking game, which allowed us to get into the contest, which is what the coaches want.
“And we have to capitalise on that and create momentum for the forwards.”
Jesse Kriel, who took over as Bok captain after Siya Kolisi withdrew because of an injury niggle, said his team wanted to be bold and brave.
“We showed some great moments and in the short time we have been together we have had a superb week in Cape Town, and I am incredibly proud of the boys,” he said.
“I’m very happy with all of that. I think it actually started in the week.
On Wednesday, we spoke about our mindset and mentality going into training — whether we are going to let the weather affect us or not.
“I think it was nothing different today.
“We came in here positive. We wanted to be brave and bold with the ball in hand, and I think we looked dangerous with turnover ball.
“It’s always great if you get the ball into guys like Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse’s hands.
“They are special rugby players, and they can make something out of nothing. I think we saw a lot of that today.”
BaaBaas skipper Peter O’Mahoney, in his final game before retiring, said this team had enjoyed the week in Cape Town and he was proud of their effort.
“We knew it would be a very tough Test match against the double world champs. It’s always tough coming here to play.
“You are always in for a huge physical test and the Springboks showed their class today.”
Italy warmed up for a two-Test series against the Boks by crushing Namibia 73-6 in Windhoek on Friday.
The Herald
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