England's Arundell eager to learn from Springbok star Kolbe / Photo: Adrian Dennis - AFP
England's Arundell eager to learn from Springbok star Kolbe
Henry Arundell revealed how he had been inspired by South Africa hero Cheslin Kolbe in his quest to become a better rugby player after marking his first England start since the 2023 World Cup with a hat-trick of tries against a hapless Wales.
Arundell needed just the initial 35 minutes of England's Six Nations opener at Twickenham on Saturday to complete his treble as the hosts overwhelmed their old rivals 48-7.
The Bath wing has now scored 11 tries in 12 Tests, proof of his potency as a top-class finisher.
But Arundell, whose Test career was put on hold when at Paris-based Racing 92 as the Rugby Football Union do not consider players at non-English clubs for Test selection, has been keen to develop his defensive and aerial game since joining Premiership champions Bath before the start of this season.
And in double World Cup-winning Springbok wing Kolbe, the 23-year-old Arundell believes he has found an ideal example, with the South African now a threat in the air, despite being one of international rugby's smallest players, as well as a wing of dynamic speed and dazzling footwork.
"I've always focused a lot on my attack," Arundell said after Saturday's match. "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.
"Someone I would look up to would be Cheslin Kolbe. I think he's probably the best winger in the world in terms of his all-round game.
"I back my attacking game all the time so then it's about developing the other sides as well to help the team."
- 'Smarts and variations' -
Arundell added: "All wingers want the ball -- it would be a bit strange if you didn't as a winger -- 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."
England have now won 12 Tests in a row against all opponents, with coach Steve Borthwick delighted by Arundell's all-round improvement.
"We all know Henry is a player who has an incredible ability running with the ball and his ability to find a way to the try-line is excellent," said Borthwick, with England continuing their quest for a first Six Nations title away to Scotland on February 14.
"What I have been really impressed is over the last number of months is his attitude to go and improve other aspects of his game."
England stand-in captain Jamie George, who led the team against Wales instead of benched regular skipper Maro Itoje, said Arundell's play was reminiscent of a former Red Rose wing.
"He really reminds me of Jonny May in so many ways in terms of his diligence and preparation," explained George, adding: "When you've got a player like that on the field, it just gives everyone else so much confidence that if we work hard in the middle and create space for something like that, he's going to capitalise on it."
D.Fischer--FFMTZ
