| Venue: Stade de France, Paris Date: Saturday, 28 October Kick-off: 20:00 BST |
| Coverage: Commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, plus text updates on the BBC Sport website and app |
South Africa wing Cheslin Kolbe says he is prepared to move to scrum-half and “contribute in any way” in the World Cup final against New Zealand.
Faf de Klerk will start at scrum-half for the Springboks but their attacking bench renders Kolbe his cover.
Kolbe is widely considered one of the world’s best wingers, last playing at scrum-half against Argentina in 2021.
“Whatever plan the coaches have, it is up to the players to buy into it,” said Kolbe.
“For me, with a bit of a sevens background, I have played at scrum-half or sweeper, [including] one or two games internationally at scrum-half.
“Faf has given me some input to make sure I am up to standard in case I am in that position tomorrow night, but I am sure Faf will carry us through to the end.
“Whatever position I am playing, it is just to have a positive impact on the game for the Springboks jersey and my team mates.”
“I will just do the best I can to make sure I have a positive impact towards the team and contribute in any way I can. You never want to see any injuries for a player, but if the opportunity does happen to go to scrum-half I will make the most of it and make sure I enjoy myself.”
‘Representing my country means more than anything’
Kolbe scored a try in the 2019 final victory over England as the Springboks claimed their third world title.
Four years on he has the chance to become a two-time world champion on his 30th birthday.
The wing, however, remains humble and does not want the final to be about him.
Kolbe said: “It is another year, another blessing for me, but it is not about me or celebrating my birthday. I am grateful for another year in my life but to be standing here to represent my country is more than anything for me.
“My main focus will be to go out on the field to express this wonderful talent I have been given and do my best. I am definitely looking forward to it.
“To the public, our country, our players, all the videos [showing] the excitement that we can see [in] of all the people back home [are] incredible. We got to see some clips this morning and it brought a few tears.
“[It is great] to see South Africans making a plan [to watch the final], no matter the circumstances, whatever the difficulties. As South Africans we will always make a plan to watch the Springboks.
“As Springboks we are really humbled by the videos we have received and hopefully we can do our country proud. We are really thankful for all their support. It doesn’t go unnoticed.”
