Wales v South Africa: Cheslin Kolbe 'similar to Jason Robinson' - Edwards
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Cheslin Kolbe has scored two tries at the 2019 World Cup for semi-finalists South Africa
2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final: Wales v South Africa |
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Venue: International Stadium, Yokohama Date: Sun, 27 Oct Kick-off: 09:00 GMT |
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC Radio Wales and Radio Cymru, BBC Radio 5 Live and Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, plus text updates on the BBC Sport website and app. |
Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards says South Africa wing Cheslin Kolbe reminds him of England's 2003 World Cup winner Jason Robinson.
Diminutive Kolbe has scored seven tries in 13 Tests and his elusive style prompted Edwards to compare him with his ex-rugby league team-mate Robinson.
Wales face South Africa in the World Cup semi-final on Sunday.
"If you want to watch a game of rugby, you want to go and watch Cheslin Kolbe," said Edwards.
"We'll have to keep an eye on him because he's one of the most dynamic players I've ever seen.
"I was lucky enough to play with Jason Robinson for many years. I was his captain at Wigan when he first came in the team there.
"Kolbe is a similar player to Jason - incredibly explosive, short and defies the fact that you have to be big to play the game of rugby."
Jason Robinson goes past Wales' Jonathan Thomas at the 2003 World Cup quarter-final in Brisbane - England went on to win that tournament
Kolbe epitomises a South African side that is blessed with pace as well as their traditional power.
"Out wide they've got incredible speed," said Edwards. "If there was a 4x100m relay race with all the teams in the World Cup, they would probably be the fastest."
The Springboks power game remains though and they battered hosts Japan into submission in their quarter-final victory.
"We'll have to muscle up on the advantage line," said Edwards.
Shaun Edwards helps Jason Robinson celebrate a try while playing for England against Australia in the 1995 Rugby League World Cup
"They're huge men and are fantastic defensively. They're statistically the best defensive team in the world at the moment.
"They've got two pretty canny half-backs. I'm a huge fan of both those players at nine and 10.
"It will be a battle royal on that advantage line."
Edwards' hopes for Davies fitness
Jonathan Davies trains under the supervision of Wales medical manager Prav Mathema on Tuesday
Wales hope centre Jonathan Davies proves his fitness for Sunday as he faces a continued fitness battle.
The 31-year-old picked up a knee injury against Fiji and missed the matches against Uruguay and France.
Edwards seems more optimistic about Davies facing the Springboks in Yokohama this weekend, with the centre training on his own with medical manager Prav Mathema on Tuesday.
"He has had some serious injuries over the years and missed out on competitions," said Edwards.
"Jon missed the last World Cup, but I am pretty sure he will be ready for the weekend."
In Davies' absence, France centre Virimi Vakatawa caused problems in the Welsh midfield in Oita against an unfamiliar combination.
Wales centre Hadleigh Parkes was also carrying a shoulder injury into that game, while Owen Watkin was a late starting replacement for Davies.
Australia and Fiji both caused Wales problems, and they conceded a further three tries in the first half against France, as they missed 18 tackles in the opening 40 minutes.
"I was pleased we only conceded 19 points against France, but wasn't happy the way we conceded those 19 points," said Edwards.
"We need to get back down to the 14-point line we were conceding in the Six Nations - we are averaging around 18-19 in this tournament so far.
"If we get down to that 13-15 points that will help us for our attack to try and cover that."
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All pictures via Huw Evans images