Former All Blacks flyhalf Stephen Donald believes Cheslin Kolbe could become the Springboks’ version of Christian Cullen.

With Aphelele Fassi and Damian Willemse injured and veteran Willie le Roux being phased out, Rassie Erasmus has handed the 32-year-old speedster the No 15 jersey for Saturday’s Test against Japan at Wembley – only the second time he’s started there for the Boks.

Speaking on The Aftermatch with Kirst and Beav podcast, Donald said Kolbe has all the tools to thrive in the position.

“For me, I can’t see any parts of Cheslin’s game that would not mean he could play 15. Realistically, in the modern game, there’s not a whole lot of difference defensively from a wing to fullback.

“You’re all exposed to high-ball pressure, covering the backfield he will well and truly be across. I just think it’s an opportunity to get more ball in his hands if you look at it from a Springboks point of view.

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Donald compared Kolbe’s attacking potential to that of Cullen, the legendary All Blacks fullback.

“We both grew up watching Christian Cullen, and could Cheslin Kolbe be that sort of fullback? Why not?”

“You’re playing Japan – respectfully, the Miracle of Brighton was a decade ago. It’s not happening [again],” added Donald, referring to the Brave Blossoms shock 34-32 win over the Boks at the 2015 World Cup.

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“For the state of world rugby, wouldn’t it be great if they had the Miracle of Wembley? But South Africa are in a much better position than they were in 2015. This team has so much depth and is a completely different beast to the one that tripped up in Brighton.”

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