IT'S MORPHIN TIME

VERSATILE Springbok spoedvraat Kurt-Lee Arendse is excited to be reunited with fellow Power Ranger Cheslin Kolbe in a re-jigged back three for Saturday’s Test match against Japan at Wembley.

Arendse will make his return to the Bok span on the right wing after an injury in the opening game of the Rugby Championship against Australia in August sidelined him for two months.

It will be the second time that Arendse plays in a Bok backline where Kolbe runs out at fullback, while the former moves from his more regular position of left wing, occupied by Ethan Hooker, to the right, where Kolbe usually starts.  

Of how that excites him as he and Kolbe, famously dubbed the Bok Power Rangers because of their scrumcaps, Arendse wysed: “First off, I am really excited to be back in the team.

“Like coach Rassie [Erasmus]said, it is not Cheslin’s first time at fullback. Against Ireland in 2022 on the end-of-year tour, he was the fullback, and I am looking forward to combining with him – he is one of the best players [in the world] and I am just excited to be back on the field with him again.”

Asked about his long lay-off after suffering a hamstring injury, Arendse added: “You know, injuries happen in sport, but on the one hand I actually enjoyed the time off. However, it gave me an opportunity to be at home and also sort some stuff out at home. Sometimes it can be a very good thing to just take a break away from the game.”

Arendse also reckons his time away was advantageous to the Boks as new players, like Hooker, were blooded during the Rugby Championship.

He said: “I am glad for those guys, because they got an opportunity they would not normally get. But, ja, you always want to be part of this group.”