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Cape Town - Former Springbok wing Breyton Paulse says the notion that Cheslin Kolbe is too small for Test rugby should be discarded.
“If Damian McKenzie can play for the All Blacks, why can’t Cheslin play for the Boks,” Paulse said in an interview with Netwerk24.
Kolbe was a surprise selection in Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ squad for the trip to Australasia and the 24-year-old could make his Test debut off the bench against the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday.
Kolbe currently plies his trade for French club Toulouse where he plays either wing of fullback.
He is small by professional rugby’s standards - 1.71m and 80kg - but Paulse feels Kolbe can be a success for the Springboks.
Paulse, who played 64 Tests between 1999 and 2007, was himself not a big player and he believes Kolbe will add an attacking dimension to South Africa’s play.
“All professional players have to adhere to strict conditioning requirements. It comes down to one thing: If you’re good enough, then you’re big enough,” Paulse added.
The Springbok team will be name early on Thursday morning (SA time).
