In fact, he probably got as close to Bill as Richie, Ma'a and Jerome.
Kohl, who has been blind since birth, is a 5-year-old pupil at Fairfield School.
But his disability has not slowed him down and when the New Zealand Rugby Union rugby roadshow arrived at the school yesterday morning, Kohl was keen to be part of it.
The roadshow had the World Cup, or the William Webb Ellis Cup as it is properly known, as the star attraction. The trophy was nicknamed Bill years ago by cup winner Australia, and the name has stuck.
So, too, has the rule which decrees only those who win the cup - such as Richie McCaw, Ma'a Nonu and Jerome Kaino - may handle it for any length of time. Others can have a brief touch or use gloves to touch the golden cup.
But with Kohl that rule was quickly forgotten yesterday.
NZRU general manager professional rugby Neil Sorensen said it was a special moment when Kohl, who started school in February, ran his hands over the trophy trying to work out where the lid sat, and how wide the handles were.
The cup will finish its length-of-the-country tour tomorrow, then return to the NZRU head office in Wellington.
