• Former All Blacks winger Joe Rokocoko rates South Africa's Cheslin Kolbe as one of the best in world rugby.
• Rokocoko, who played 68 Tests for New Zealand between 2003 and 2010, says Kolbe's greatest attribute is his ability to beat opponents in one-on-one situations.
• Rokocoko also heaped praise on Springbok Makazole Mapimpi, who he says is "explosive on attack".

Former All Blacks star Joe Rokocoko says South Africa's Cheslin Kolbe is "right up there" as the best winger in world rugby.

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Rokocoko, who played 68 Tests for New Zealand between 2003 and 2010, spoke exclusively to Sport24 this week where he shared his views on the Springboks' wing incumbents - Kolbe and Makazole Mapimpi.

"In top-level rugby, Kolbe would be right up there as the best winger owing to his all-round game. He is so safe under the high ball, is full of confidence and creates something out of nothing. He is a small guy that packs a serious punch and his main attribute is his ability to beat opponents in one-on-one situations," Rokocoko said.

Former winger Rokocoko, who stands 1.88m and weighs close to 100kgs, said he actually preferred facing bigger opponents.

"It was players like him (Kolbe - 1.7m and 80kg)) who I used to hate marking during my career. I much preferred a massive guy like Jonah Lomu, who would run over the top of you rather than a player who had twinkle toes. Kolbe’s try in the World Cup final was special and as an opponent those are moments when you just have to stand up and applaud."

Rokocoko, 37, played club rugby in France or Bayonne and Racing 92 and still lives in Paris.

He added that he as been impressed by Kolbe's versatility.

"Pre-lockdown, I saw his game against Racing 92 where Toulouse put him at flyhalf, and he can also operate at fullback. At fullback, he has more of a license to counter-attack and can pick off the forwards coming through the line.

"At the moment, the roles of fullbacks and wingers are pretty similar and I wouldn’t really care where Kolbe is on the pitch as long as he’s playing. He is a threat everywhere. Off the field, Kolbe is a very humble person and you can tell that he is not faking it."

In terms of Mapimpi, Rokocoko added: "He has accelerated his game in the last two or so years. He is explosive on attack and, while most wingers aren’t known for their defence, he is a solid bloke that just cuts guys to pieces.

"He has also become a good reader of when to come off his line and when to hold off. He is still fresh on the international front and with confidence he is only going to grow in the Springbok jersey. Bryan Habana is a good guy both players can model their game on because he was consistent throughout his whole career."

- Compiled by Sport24 staff