Cheslin Kolbe responds to cheating claims

Cheslin Kolbe’s block of a goal-bound kick was essential to the Springboks’ narrow victory against France in their thrilling World Cup quarterfinal battle on Sunday in Paris.

For the Springboks, Kolbe, Arendse, De Allende, and Etzebeth each scored a try, and Manie Libbok and Handre Pollard successfully kicked three conversions and a long-range penalty.

In addition to the converted scoring opportunities, Cheslin Kolbe’s charge down on Thomas Ramos’ conversion kick was one of the crucial moments that enabled the Springboks to win the game.

A fullback named Thomas Ramos lined up the conversion after French hooker Peato Mauvaka broke through the line from close range. He was focused on his kick and timing the shot clock at the same time, so Kolbe’s charge at him caught him completely off surprise.

The moment Ramos even suggested coming closer to the ball, the Springbok flyer made his mark, and by the time Ramos struck the ball with his foot, Kolbe was close enough to charge it down and deny them two points.

Because the Springboks only had a one-point victory, the charge down has gained a lot of attention. Kolbe allegedly started running towards the ball before the kicker had moved, according to France supporters.

After a crucial decision cost the Springboks the game, Rassie Erasmus issued referee Ben O’Keeffe an odd message.

CHESLIN KOLBE SAYS HE DID NOTHING WRONG

However, Cheslin Kolbe, the man who pulled off the maneuver, promptly disproved those accusations by describing how he did it and why it was lawful because it was permitted under the rules of the game.

“I think it definitely helped that I played with Thomas [Ramos] for six years and knew what he was doing,” he said.

As an explanation, Kolbe claimed, “I followed the rules exactly and was behind the line when he started his race.I tried to take it out by running as fast as I could. I was going to put some pressure on him.

SPRINGBOK BOSS BACKS BRILLIANT BOYTJIE

According to Jacques Nienaber, Kolbe’s attempt to block the convert showed how the Boks were willing to take all measure necessary to win on Sunday night.

“Cheslin’s charge-down, you don’t see that often – somebody chasing a lost cause,” the head coach for the Bulls stated.

“We were exposed a few times, but the players’ scrambling and effort were enormous.”