Cheslin Kolbe’s Embarrassing Blunder Costs as Springboks star Had a Moment to Forget
Cheslin Kolbe had a moment to forget during this weekend’s Japan Rugby League One clash with Toyota Verblitz.
Thankfully, the Springboks star’s blunder did not prove to be too costly as Suntory Sungoliath still clinched a 28-45 victory over the Steve Hansen and Ian Foster-led Verblitz.
However, the double World Cup winner will not want to see a replay of his gaffe that denied him his sixth try of the season.
Kolbe received the ball out wide after a brilliant pass by fly-half Keisuke Moriya and had a clear run over the line.
The 31-year-old then attempted to make the angle easier for the conversion with the winger kicking for Suntory, but he made a costly error as he tried to dot the ball down.
But the Springboks speedster coughed the ball up behind the try line, gifting possession back to Verblitz.
At the time, Suntory were up 14-7 after tries from Sam Cane and Isaiah Punivai, with Verblitz earning a penalty try.
Former All Blacks skipper Cane grabbed a second try after Verblitz responded through Will Tupou as Suntory led 19-12 at half-time.
Sungoliath bagged three tries in the opening 15 minutes of the second period to put the game out of Toyota’s reach despite a rally from Hansen’s side through scores from Ryusei Kato and Villiame Tuidraki.
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Two games left to play
Kolbe’s side would have the final say in the game, with Kenta Fukuda crossing for a late try. The victory places them in the box seat to round out the play-offs makeup.
While Kolbe’s error cost him a try, the Bok still had a strong game, making 50 metres from his eight carries, beating five defenders and making four clean breaks.
He also converted four tries for Suntory, who will face the Black Rams and Saitama Wild Knights in the final two rounds of action.
Elsewhere, Kwagga Smith’s BlueRevs claimed an important 38-28 victory over the Canon Eagles after conceding three tries to trail 21-0 in the opening 30 minutes.
The result cemented their place in the top four after 16 rounds of action, with games against Urayasu and Kobe up next.
