Henry Arundell says studying Springbok speedster Cheslin Kolbe has reshaped how he sees his own game.
The England winger underlined his attacking threat with a hat-trick against Wales at Twickenham, scoring three tries inside the opening 35 minutes of England’s emphatic Six Nations win. But it is what he’s learning away from the try line that excites him just as much.
“I’ve always focused a lot on my attack,” Arundell said. “It’s a strength, so you want to make it a super-strength, but now it’s about how good a player I can be. It’s the all-round game.”
MORE: George backs England to ‘kick on’
For the 23-year-old, the blueprint is clear, and it comes from a double World Cup-winning Springbok.
“Someone I would look up to would be Cheslin Kolbe,” Arundell said. “I think he’s probably the best winger in the world in terms of his all-round game.”
Kolbe’s evolution, particularly in the air and defensively despite his size, has caught Arundell’s attention as he works to broaden his own skill set after returning to England contention with Bath this season.
“I back my attacking game all the time, so then it’s about developing the other sides as well to help the team,” he explained.
Arundell, who has now scored 11 tries in just 12 Tests, admits the modern game demands far more than just chasing glory.
“All wingers want the ball – it would be a bit strange if you didn’t,” he said. “And there is always a bit of ego with wanting to score tries.
“But I’ve definitely learned more in the sense of learning and improving different parts of my game — the kick chase and the kick battle and how that can influence the team.
“It’s the smarts and the variations of the kicking game that make the best teams in the world and that’s what we’re trying to be.”
KEO: England hammer Wales as British media deliver brutal Six Nations verdict
– AFP
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post England speedster inspired by Cheslin appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Henry Arundell says studying Springbok speedster Cheslin Kolbe has reshaped how he sees his own game.
The post England speedster inspired by Cheslin appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
