Rugby World Cup 2019: South Africa boosted by Kolbe’s return for decider

Cheslin Kolbe will return from an ankle injury for South Africa’s Rugby World Cup final against England on Saturday.

Livewire wing Kolbe missed South Africa’s semi-final win over Wales due to injury he tweaked in the quarter-final victory against hosts Japan.

However, Kolbe is back in the starting XV for the blockbuster Yokohama showdown in a big boost for 2007 world champions the Springboks.

Kolbe – who missed the pool match against Canada – comes in for stand-in Sbu Noksi as South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus’ sole change to his side.

 The chosen ones
 The return of the man with the jet shoes
 Carrying a nation’s hopes and dreams on their shoulders#StrongerTogether #RWC2019 #RWCFinal #WebbEllisCup #ENGvRSA pic.twitter.com/3sW4hDqf5H

— Springboks (@Springboks) October 31, 2019

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi will earn his 50th Test cap, with South Africa seeking their second World Cup title, having trumped England in the final 12 years ago.

South Africa: Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk; Tendai Mtawarira, Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen.

Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Franco Mostert, Francois Louw, Herschel Jantjies, Frans Steyn.

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