Kurt-Lee Arendse

Kurt-Lee Arendse is proof that South Africa’s sevens programme is a Test pathway rather than a detour.

He is small by Springbok standards and it has never mattered, because the two things he does best are unaffected by size. His aerial work is exceptional — timing and courage rather than reach — and he finishes at a rate that puts him among the most efficient wings in the game.

The sevens years show in the footwork. He beats defenders in phone boxes, changing direction without losing pace, which is how a wing scores from thirty metres out against a set defence.

The Springboks use him as a kick-chase weapon as much as a finisher. In a side that kicks as often as South Africa do, a wing who wins his own contestables is worth a tactic.

The question opponents keep testing is the defensive edge against a power runner. The answer, so far, has been that he tackles well above his weight and the try count keeps climbing.