Bok newbie Kurt-Lee Arendse more than chuffed to fill Cheslin Kolbe's shoes against All Blacks

In Mbombela

Winger Kurt-Lee Arendse said he wasn't just chuffed to fill Cheslin Kolbe's big boots, but is also grateful for the chance to do so in the green and gold jersey of the Springboks. 

He'll do so for the second time when he starts against the All Blacks in the first Rugby Championship Test at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

Arendse started his debut Test against Wales last month and he distinguished himself very well, but it's clear the performance from the Bloemfontein Test opened up another starting chance. 

READ | Kurt-Lee Arendse primed and ready for All Blacks: 'The bigger the occasion, the better he plays'

Tests for South African players don't come any bigger than the All Blacks, but Arendse said he wasn't overwhelmed by the occasion. 

"I'm really grateful for the opportunity and it's a privilege to follow in Cheslin's footsteps," Arendse said.

"I'm really grateful for the opportunity and when I put the Springbok jersey over my head, I have to take that opportunity with both hands.

"The All Blacks are a really skilful side, but I'm focusing on what we've prepped on and we'll see how it goes.

"Cheslin has a good step and he's very explosive, but that is also an ode to Cheslin's skill."

South Africa

15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Trevor Nyakane

Substitutes: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Salmaan Moerat, 20 Franco Mostert, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 Willie le Roux

New Zealand

15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 David Havili, 11