Kolbe could have a lot on his plate as Springboks go full-on 'pocket rocket' for Irish

Cheslin Kolbe's deployment at fullback for the Springboks' meeting with Ireland in Dublin on Saturday evening is the culmination of a long-held plan that's only now come to fruition.

National coach Jacques Nienaber admitted on Tuesday that South Africa's dynamic and twinkle-toed utility back has always been considered a realistic candidate in the No 15 jersey, the position where he made his name for the Stormers before embarking on a career-changing journey to France.

"After about 3 or 4 games back in 2018 since he made his debut, Cheslin was always a realistic option for us as a fullback and trained at 15 often," said the Bok mentor. 

"We were just never forced or required to play him there. Opportunities had been limited. But we feel this specific game, having him, there will serve us the best."

Yet the 28-year-old magician's list of responsibilities won't end with being the last bastion of the combination.

With Nienaber and co also deciding on a 6-2 split on the bench, Kolbe might be required to move closer to the action as the man orchestrating the Boks' attack - at pivot.

Again, it's hardly a plan that the Bok brains trust has just come up with suddenly.

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"We're going with that strategy, so Cheslin will be our flyhalf cover. With us doing roadmaps in terms of performance analysis, we identified Cheslin as a potential flyhalf in our system," said Nienaber.

"He's being utilised as a flyhalf in France, particularly when he was still turning out for Toulouse. He played there often when the club tried to manage Romain Ntamack. He's very skilful and that's the advantage of having a versatile guy like him.

"For our split, it's important."

Nick