How do you come out of such a match?
Cheslin Kolbe: Good, but tired! We had a very good performance but I also want to spare a thought for the French. There was a lot of expectation on them and they had a great World Cup and more generally a great year. As for us, I’m very proud of our team and the way the guys fought on the field to win this match.
Did you expect such a wild game?
CK: We knew what this French team was capable of. She has high quality players and she loves to keep the ball alive. It’s true that the match was more open than against Ireland for example, but we had prepared for that. We also wanted to add volume to the game and there were some great attacks from each side.
What allowed you to turn the meeting in the right direction?
CK: It’s, I think, the fact of never stopping believing in our game plan and in what our staff had seen and analyzed to win this match. We have a good group, very experienced. It was hard for us from the start but we were able to stick to what we wanted to achieve. Our defense, our discipline and our ability to win duels also contributed to our victory.
Your counter to a transformation of Thomas Ramos has caused debate. Did you start your race before the momentum gained?
CK: I think having played six years with Thomas in Toulouse and knowing his scoring routine helped me. I think I was in a good position, behind my goal line, when he took off and I then ran as fast as I could towards him to try to block him. It worked and it was very pleasant.
Were you afraid that the referee would call for video?
CK: I was hoping he wouldn’t (laughs)! But even if he had done it, I am sure for my part that I would have done things according to the rules.
Were you able to chat with your former Top 14 teammates after the match?
CK: Yes, I went to see them and told them that they could come out of this World Cup with their heads held high. They were obviously very disappointed, as were their staff. We see how cruel a rugby match can be. We needed a winner and a loser and it worked out in our favor but I obviously had a thought for them because they are very good players and also beautiful people.
Mauvaka on refereeing: “In the heat of the moment, I prefer not to say anything”