Should South Africa emerge victorious and hoist the Webb Ellis Cup aloft for a record-breaking fourth time, the first port of call on their triumphant tour ought to be the residence of one extremely significant player – the outstanding Springbok speedster responsible for the decisive charge down of Thomas Ramos’ sideline kick. Otherwise known as the Kolbe household.
Moments of sheer brilliance frequently become the turning point in World Cup knock-outs, and Kolbe’s masterful interception of Ramos’ conversion epitomizes the sheer determination of a man deeply aware of the stakes. As the French team successfully pushed over to balance the score at 12-12, Ramos readied himself to launch a swift kick that threatened to bring the hosts into the lead. Thankfully, Kolbe was poised with a counter-strategy.
Renowned for his unrivalled speed in international rugby, Kolbe’s prowess would not be questioned if he were to represent South Africa in the Olympics. His agility was once again underscored as he exploded forth at the start of Ramos’ approach, embodying the very essence of his team’s namesake creature.
Under the stipulations of Law 8.14 – “The Opposing Team at a Conversion,” opponents are required to retreat behind their goal-line, not trespassed until the kicker commences his approach. Once the kicker begins this motion, players are permitted to charge or jump to block a goal, albeit without the aid of fellow teammates.
Kolbe executed his charge with perfect timing, shrinking a gap of approximately 25 metres and using both hands to intercept Ramos’ attempt, diverting the ball clear away from the goalposts.
At that moment, with 24 points already under the teams’ collective belt in the first quarter, the subtle turning point of the game was largely overlooked. With two power teams locking horns, a one-point margin was unexpected. This unusual and infrequent event left many rugby enthusiasts pondering the last intercepted conversion they’d witnessed before resuming their witnessing of a riveting World Cup quarter-final.
The enthralling twists conveyed by this thrilling match are not solitary in nature. The annals of rugby abound with notable incidents of deflected kicks ranging from All Black Aaron Cruden’s efforts against Ireland in Dublin 2013, All Black Andrew Mehrtens’ pivotal intervention in Sydney 1998, Wallaby James O’Connor’s unconventional move in London 2011, and superb plays by both Stormers Bryan Habana and Wigan’s Anthony Gelling in 2013 and 2015 respectively.
These thrilling, unexpected moments, especially Kolbe’s charge-down, retained a balanced score. In saving two points, South Africa turned the tide in their favor and ultimately won by a single point, securing their position in rugby history, all thanks to that crucial intervention by the Springbok flyer.
