The match Steyn ‘smoked’ Cheslin

For Cheslin Kolbe, some things are unforgettable. Like winning two World Cups, scoring his first international try against the All Blacks and getting “smoked” by Francois Steyn.

The 32-year-old winger, who is returning to the Stormers after a decade in France and Japan, recounted his more memorable moments during an interview with journalists this week.

His favourite try was the one in which he danced past Owen Farrell to score against England in the 2019 World Cup final, though another highlight was his first five-pointer in the green and gold against New Zealand in his second international in 2018.

Kolbe intercepted the ball just inside the All Blacks’ half and darted through unchallenged, dotting down before executing a somersault, landing on his feet and raising his fist in celebration.

The hardest player that I’ve been smoked by was definitely Francois Steyn

That rolled out the red carpet for a career that had spanned 50 caps and 22 tries going into Saturday’s opening Test against the All Blacks.

The father of three had no hesitation when asked who had tackled him the hardest. “The hardest player that I’ve been smoked by was definitely Francois Steyn.”

It was before a Super Rugby match where Kolbe was surprised when, going through his pre-game routine on the field, he was approached by the Sharks utility back.

Kolbe was 14 when he watched Steyn help the Springboks to victory at the 2007 World Cup. “I just celebrated and ran down the street with excitement.”

“He spoke to me, and I was like, ‘He’s won a World Cup; he’s done excellent things,’ and I just found it quite weird that he came to speak to me before the game not knowing what he had in store for those 80 minutes, and he was all over me.

“I think after the game I had two broken ribs just from him smashing me,” Kolbe added with a chuckle, saying another tough opponent was former All Black Julian Savea, brother of the Kiwis’ incumbent skipper, Ardie.

Cape Town, which hosts the second Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry next Saturday, has a legion of coloured fans loyal to New Zealand teams, something Kolbe has experienced first-hand among friends and family.

“There are still a few of them who support the All Blacks. When I grew up, I thought within our culture, especially in the coloured community, there were so many New Zealand supporters, and I do think it’s turned a little bit.

“A lot of them became Springboks supporters because of what the team and the coaches have transformed this team into over the past few years. But there are definitely some of my friends and family members who are still New Zealand supporters.