Dragons wing Rio Dyer returns to the Wales starting lineup on Saturday where he will be faced with one of the toughest tasks in world rugby…keeping tabs on Cheslin Kolbe.
The diminutive Springbok, who stands at just 1.71m tall, has long been seen as a world class wing and showcased those credentials once again last weekend with an ankle-breaking brace against England.
Of course, Kolbe’s most famous moment in a Springbok jersey arguably came against the same opposition in 2019, scoring the game-sealing score in the first of two World Cup final wins.
After missing the losses against Fiji and Australia, Dyer is itching to make his mark against a player who this week was announced as one of four World Player of Year nominees.
“For me, I’ve grown up watching the likes of Kolbe in the World Cup, seeing players like that and now having the opportunity to come up against them is an opportunity that I look forward to and love,” said Dyer.
“There’s a lot of young boys in the squad who feel the same and there’s an excitement about going up against South Africa and give them 110%.
“Kolbe is a player like Shane Williams, not the biggest but you see the way he plays and he’s a jack-of-all trades.
“Looking at a player like that, with the confidence he has and the strides he’s made in rugby, as a winger you want to try some of that and put it into your game.
“I haven’t played in the first two games which is something I’ve taken in my stride and I’m going to better myself, put my foot forward and look forward to it.”
Dyer of course has proven himself at the very highest level before.
From scoring against the All Blacks on his international debut, to being described by former Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui as a “gem” and a “genuine superstar” of the future, Dyer has received plenty of plaudits in his two years in the red of Wales.
On Saturday, he and his Wales teammates will be looking to overturn an eleven-match test losing streak but Dyer believes there is no time like the present to prove a point.
“The mood is still positive in camp,” said Dyer.
“We’re a tight-knit family and like all families you stick together through the ups and downs and that’s the energy that’s been around the environment.
“Everything is a possibility in professional rugby, there are fine margins which can swing your way. Staying positive is the main thing.”
Dyer will be hoping to add to his seven tries in what will be his 23rd test for Wales and knows that he and his teammates will need to take every opportunity they get if they are to be victorious at the Principality stadium this weekend.
“Coming up against the World Champions you’ve got to play the best to be the best player you can be so I’m excited about the opportunity and it’s one I’m prepared to take with two hands,” said Dyer.
“We play this game for the love of it.
“They are double world champions and a lot of us have grown up watching a lot of the players and you can see it as an experience we can enjoy as well.
“The backs are on form and they’ve got an amazing running game, with threats across the field. You have to be prepared for everything and give it everything we’ve got.”
Kolbe is a player like Shane Williams, not the biggest but he’s a jack-of-all trades. Looking at a player like that, with the confidence he has, you want to try some of that and put it into your game.
