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Mallett: Kolbe can be SA's best No 9

Cape Town - Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett has again urged Cheslin Kolbe to consider playing scrumhalf.

The Stormers fullback was one of the few players who impressed in their 17-all draw against the Sunwolves in Singapore at the weekend.

But at 1.7m, Kolbe is one of the smallest players in Super Rugby and Mallett feels Kolbe would be better suited to the No 9 jersey.

Mallett first brought up the idea of Kolbe at scrumhalf last year, saying he is similar in size and stature to All Blacks No 9 Aaron Smith, who is widely considered as the best scrumhalf in international rugby at present.

Speaking in the SuperSport studio on Saturday, Mallett said: “Cheslin Kolbe is incredibly brave, he has very good feet and a good kicking and passing game. I’m not sure he can compete internationally at fullback, being as slight as he is. A year or two ago against the Sharks, he beat them twice from the base of the scrum and created chaos when he stepped two forwards. I think Cheslin just needs experience playing at scrumhalf and he could be the best No 9 in South Africa.”

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