‘The enemy is definitely working overtime’: Layla Kolbe shares Cheslin’s hospital update after jaw injury

Layla Kolbe has given fans a glimpse of Cheslin Kolbe’s recovery after the Springbok star suffered a broken jaw during Saturday’s bruising clash with the All Blacks.

Sharing photographs from hospital, including one with Cheslin beside her with his jaw visibly supported, Layla did not shy away from acknowledging that the family has been through another difficult setback.

“Here we are again. I don’t want to say too much, but the enemy is definitely working overtime,” she wrote, before adding that they were choosing faith over fear and praying for Cheslin’s healing and recovery.

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A post shared by Layla (@layla_kolbe)

The post also offered a glimpse of the family carrying on despite the disappointment, with Layla celebrating daughter Kylah after she and her dance team won at a competition that marked the end of her dance season.

And then there was the Springboks.

“To the Bokke,” Layla wrote, praising the team for fighting even harder when “thrown into the deep end”.

How Cheslin Kolbe broke his jaw

Kolbe’s injury came just nine minutes into the Springboks’ 29-24 victory over New Zealand at FNB Stadium in Soweto.

The Springbok, who had been moved to fullback for the Test after Damian Willemse was ruled out with a hamstring injury, was involved in a defensive tackle as the All Blacks attacked inside South Africa’s 22.

He took a heavy knock and was sent for a Head Injury Assessment before leaving the field.

Rassie Erasmus confirmed after the match that Kolbe had broken his jaw.

It was a particularly cruel blow given how well the 32-year-old had performed in the previous Test in Cape Town, where he kicked 18 points as South Africa beat New Zealand 33-26 to level the series.

Kolbe will now miss the fourth and final Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore, United States, on Saturday.

South Africa leads the four-match Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series 2-1 after the FNB Stadium victory.

Another injury setback for Kolbe

The latest injury comes after what has already been a physically demanding period for Kolbe.

He was among the Springboks’ injury concerns after the opening Test against New Zealand at Ellis Park in August, leaving the field during the 33-16 defeat.

He was subsequently cleared to return for the second Test in Cape Town.

He then produced one of his standout performances of the series, contributing all four of his penalty attempts and three conversions in the 33-26 win.

Just a week later, his return to the starting line-up was cut short by the jaw injury.

It is also not the first time Kolbe has suffered a broken jaw during his career, with the Springbok having previously sustained the injury against Wales in 2022.

For now, however, the focus is on recovery.

The Kolbes are home again

The injury comes only months after the Kolbe family made an emotional move back to South Africa after spending several years between the country and Japan.

Kolbe joined Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath ahead of the 2023-24 season, with the family dividing its time between Japan and South Africa.

In June, Layla shared an emotional farewell to Japan, describing it as “the end of an era” as the family returned home.

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A post shared by Layla (@layla_kolbe)

She reflected on the sacrifices involved in their years abroad, including periods of living in two countries and solo parenting.

Now, with Cheslin recovering at home in South Africa, Layla’s latest post has once again offered a glimpse into the family life behind one of the country’s most recognisable sporting stars.

Her message ended where it began: with faith, family and the Springboks.

“God is good. Always.”

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