Photo Credit - Gallo Images
Springbok speedster Cheslin Kolbe said the national team have already turned their attention to improving on their performance after the South Africa ‘A’ team held off a determined British & Irish Lions outfit for a 17-13 victory at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday in the first match of the Castle Lager Lions Series.
The SA 'A' side built up an encouraging 17-3 halftime lead against the British & Irish Lions and showed tremendous character in a tight second half to secure the morale-boosting victory.
Adding to the significance of the victory, the entire team were confined to their rooms for six days last week after a number of positive COVID-19 tests within the squad.
“We had minimum preparation, but there was a plan and we did everything the coaches wanted us to do,” said Kolbe, who was named man of the match in the encounter.
“We showed character out there, especially defending for a number of phases on our try-line and that showed the fight the boys have.
“That’s what we pride ourselves on and it gives us a lot of energy at the end of the day.”
He added: “I’m very proud, but for us now, we have to stay humble, and when we go back to training we have to make sure that we keep on improving on our skills and execute what the coaches want from us.”
Springbok No 8 Jasper Wiese, who made his debut off the bench in the Test match against Georgia two weeks ago, also praised the team’s spirit to clinch the victory.
“Everyone makes a step-up at this level," said Wiese.
"The guys showed real character especially if one considers that we had minimal preparation for the game. We prepared for the fact that they were going to come for us, and I think the boys handled that really well.”
Kolbe said the team expected a physical and intense battle against the tourists, saying: “They definitely tried to ramp up the intensity, and for us, it was a matter of hanging in there and ensuring that we stay tight and in the fight, and the guys definitely delivered that on the field.
“That pride is exactly what the coaches wanted from us, especially since we didn’t train much.
“That said, there are a lot of things we can work on, but I am very proud (about the win) and I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks.”
The fleet-footed outside back was excited to get their Castle Lager Lions Series campaign underway and said the team will continue to give everything as they look forward to the three Test matches against the British & Irish Lions on Saturday, 24 and 31 July and 7 August respectively.
"To get the first game behind us in Cape Town was a good stepping stone, but in saying that, we just want to give 100 percent, no matter where it is," said Kolbe.
"The Springbok stands for so many things, and once you pull that jersey over your head, it’s all about pride and honour, and we just want to give everything.
"Going to the highveld will be a different challenge, but I think the guys will adapt quite well."
With tough competition for places in the national squad with an eye on the Test Series against the British & Irish Lions, Wiese said no player could rest on their laurels.
“There is so much potential in this group that it is not a case of playing your way into the team and keeping your place,” said Wiese. “As players, we have to make a step up every week.
“The energy we draw from one another is great, and every week you have to work harder and show that you want to be here.”