Andre Esterhuizen on why the latest Springbok experiment will work

Springbok centre Andre Esterhuizen has backed his new midfield partner Canan Moodie to shine at 13 against the All Blacks on Friday at Twickenham.

Moodie’s rise on the Test scene has been remarkable after he set the tone with a debut try against the Wallabies as he soared through the air above Marika Koroibete.

✈️ Outstanding try on debut from Canan Moodie!! 🔥#RugbyChampionship #AUSvRSApic.twitter.com/LljXnmgBaD

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) September 3, 2022

New pairing

Since then he has gone from strength to strength at wing, scoring four tries so far in his short international career. However, he takes on the challenge of moving into the centres on Friday against the old foe.

Esterhuizen, who himself has shone this year when he has had the chance, believes the 20-year-old has all the ingredients to do well at centre.

“Canan is an exciting player and he’s shown it with how he can score tries with ball in hand,” said Esterhuizen. “He must just go out there and stay composed. I have no doubt we’ll link up well together.”

The Harlequins man was also delighted to get another run out in green and gold. He insists that competition in the squad is good and everyone is playing for the team rather than the individual.

“I’m very excited to get more opportunities this year. I just want to give my best,” Esterhuizen said.

“The competition for places is very healthy. Everyone wants to start every weekend, and no-one is complacent. When we put on the jersey we are playing for the team.”

Big clash at Twickenham

Despite the clash against the All Blacks being labelled a ‘warm-up’ Esterhuizen insists it is much more than that.

“We won’t hold back anything,” said Esterhuizen. “Every match is important for us, so we’ll give everything we can on the field and do our best.

“There’s a good chance we’ll meet them in the World Cup quarter-final, so this is a good opportunity for us.

“To face them twice in the build-up to the World Cup is good for our build-up to the tournament, so we want to make the most of this match and opportunity on the field.

“We let ourselves down in Auckland, so as a team we have to ensure we give it all from the start.

“One can’t always ask for a good start, but what we can do from our side is to approach the game with intensity and physicality from the outset.”

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