Cheslin Kolbe’s sidestep of Owen Farrell on his way to the tryline in the World Cup final will be one of those iconic moments in rugby.
It was the final try of the 2019 World Cup and South Africa had just slayed the beast that was England.
Rewind back to the start of last year and the man who had just been nominated for the World Player of the Year award wasn’t even in the picture when it comes to Bok selection.
A Sevens legend in a country where smaller players usually end up in the shorter code of the game, Kolbe packed his bags for France at the end of 2017 to further his XVs career.
It’s there where he slayed even more giants, with videos of his breathtaking runs in the Top 14 going viral in his motherland.
TOP COACH: Rassie Erasmus. Pictures: Matthew Childs/Reuters.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus could no longer ignore the pint-sized hero.
Standing just 1.72m in his socks, Kolbe made his international debut against Australia last year.
And the Northpine laaitie hasn’t looked back since, putting his body on the line every single time he takes the field for his country.
GOOD TIMES: Cheslin Kolbe celebrates. Picture: Franck Robinchon/EPA.
The 26-year-old speedster is living proof that you don’t have to be the biggest guy on the field, but you have to have the biggest heart.
Kolbe explained on arrival at OR Tambo on Tuesday: “For me, this game has a shape and size for each and every player - it doesn’t matter where you come from.
“If you have right attitude, the right heart you can achieve so much more.
“I am not one of the biggest players around, but my dad told me to put in the extras.
HOW GOOD.
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) November 3, 2019
This try, in the Rugby World Cup final, was sensational from Cheslin Kolbe. pic.twitter.com/DXZFGG3DTz
“To play against opponents that are double my weight is an opportunity for me to prove people [that have doubts about my size] wrong.
“It doesn’t matter size, there are ways to stop a big guy and ways of getting around players.
“You must believe in yourself and get the right mindset.”