Coetzee going bonkers - Kolbe

I disagree, ou Maaik. I think Kolbe is good enough to succeed at either version of the game. Dont write this youngster off too quickly.

 CM, I would have to agree with Rooi. He didn't look out of depth at the JWC and had some good moments breaking the advantage line against the Bulls. Yes, he's small but at 19 he still has some growing to do and there are plenty of small players that are very good CC and Super Rugby players. I saw enough good things in that game against the Bulls to warrant some patience and reserve judgment.

Bit rough on AC too when he is criticized for ignoring young players and then criticized when he locks one up to a contract ? Look at the backline that he fielded against the Bulls - nothing but youngsters except for Aplon at fullback and i think they'll be potent come the business end of the season. van Aswegen plays flat and always attacking the line, De Allende knows how to offload, Howard can a run line - hard, Kolbe if given some space has the step and speed to kill, VDH is starting to find a little form and Aplon is a great counter-attacking threat and fearless under the high ball. Always amazes how rarely Aplon is turned over given his size - you would think every time he is caught in a tackle he should be easily held up but thats not the case.

If the WP forwards can get it together its going to be a great year. Fourie needs to quit trying to win every match single-handedly and pick his spots to attack the breakdown with more care. 

 WP starting backline and respective ages:

VDH - 24

Kolbe - 19

Howard - 21

De Allende - 21

van Aswegen - 23

Schreuder - 23

Aplon - 30

AC should get some credit for bringing the youngsters through and DeJongh's agent should be reading the writing on the wall and shopping him to some overseas teams. He's lost the Bok starting spot and if the Howard / De Allende show continues will face an uphill battle to reclaim his Stormers/WP outside center berth.

 Oimatey there is also Taute to come  and Cat should re-sign with WP permanently. Van Der Heever is leaving

However what happens if we continue to export players like if there is no tomorow?

Yes, someone needs to step up to fill Habana's spot. VDH never really convinced me. I would give Taute a run out there on the wing - like a Savea / Tomane type. Don't like him at fullback - not creative enough on counter-attack for me. Would rather have itsy bitsy Aplon back there who has a better boot, fearless under the high ball, can run and also chip kick. Aplon bouncing off Jean Cook during that last try doesn't bother me - no fullback in world rugby would have been able to stop that try at that point.

I don't see a solution to the exodus unless SARU comes up with some sort of amateur draft and restrictive agency for domestic professional players that opens up the pool of available players to all unions but also constrains them to a Super Rugby union for the first 4 or 5 years of their careers after which they would become free agents. It would require a complete overhaul of the way players are contracted and there would be tremendous benefits to players and unions alike and ultimately the Boks but it would mean the bigger unions would have to share revenue and academy player resources. There isn't the kind of leadership in SARU to accomplish that.

Nothing wrong with Kolbe

Why do SAFFAS write off any player that isnt bult like a brick shit house?

Just look at guys like Nanai-WIlliams and McAlister... they both started out as wee men... but over time they developed their physical attributes to match their skill. I mean why write the guy off before you have given him a real chance to show his worth?

Aplon also comes to mind...

I'd like to see him given a full go for 2 seasons before making a proper call.

I think with ball in hand, he is magical... just need to see him improve his defense.

 Looks like an exceptional talent. He needs to play at fullback where he can couner attack, or if he is at wing he needs to be given the ball in space.

When Percy Montgomery and Paulse started neither was strong enough for test rugby.

He seems to be the same weight as Paulse at 80kg, but is shorter so might not get much heavier.

A kid will often get stronger even if he does not pick up weight when becoming a adult.

It is also about combinations. It can be ok to have some small players in the backline, but not too many.

 Bryan Habana is the first voice over, and he says that it is a very long time since he has seen a sidestep like Kolbe

Nah, play him .......................... he's too talented not to be given a chance & could end up as our very own Cullen.........& get Aplon to teach him the fine art of tackling the big fellas .

im glad to see a few comments in support of kolbe, the few games i have seen him had me going wowsers. habana, aplon and kolbe, prob the best 3 ankle breakers ive seen from SA.

@flashdakota,

agree regarding aplon, he is magical. i dont like too many small players in the backline, so i wouldnt play him and habana at the same time for the Boks, but if SARU were to grow a pair and back their depth and select SA based players only, aplon would be in my starting XV.

 Aplon reminds me of Breyton Paulse, allmost as good but not quiet.

I think Kolbe will be dangerous especially against New Zealand wings who are big and fast, but clumsy on defence.

Another Koble prediction thread. 

haha this is great.

Mike, any comments?

I anyways thought he was too short for FB, but his fearlessness under the high ball and his skills in the air convinced me that he can more than just do the job there in the future.  For now I would leave him on the wing, but inlude Nkosi on the bench ahead of one of the forwards.

Kolbe is a game changer and a must for the Boks. Pity he wasn't played more since 2013 already...six years wasted.