Springbok fullback Warrick Gelant wants to be as warm as Cheslin Kolbe when they face Namibia in Pool B on Saturday (11.45am).
Gelant was chosen in the No.15 jumper for the match against their African neighbours and after watching Kolbe set the tournament alight in their opening match against New Zealand on the wing, he is hoping to do the same.
A shoulder injury 18 months ago placed doubt on whether the Blue Bulls fullback would make the squad for Japan.
But he bounced back and with regular fullback Willie le Roux not at his best of late, Gelant is hoping to put some pressure on boss Rassie Erasmus in terms of his team selection.
Sharing the back-three slots with wingers Sbu Nkosi and Makazole Mapimpi, it’s Kolbe – who will play off the bench – who served as an inspiration to the 24-year-old speedster.
INSPIRATION: Cheslin Kolbe. Picture: Annegret Hilse/Reuters.
Gelant says: “He [Kolbe] is amazing, we always knew what he can do.
“I’m just happy that he gets ball in hand and can show what he can do.
“He’s in the form of his life.”
The Boks expect an open game against their neighbours, which will allow their back three to come into the game and get their hands on the ball.
Wingers Mapimipi and Nkosi also have their own mini battle, with the former not having a good game against New Zealand.
A good showing by Nkosi might see Erasmus rethink his wingers for their next big assignment – against Italy next week.