Canan Moodie details ‘tricky’ Springboks switch with a lot on the line against All Blacks
Springboks back Canan Moodie in action against the All Blacks at Twickenham Stadium in 2023.
Canan Moodie believes that there is a lot on the line for both teams as the All Blacks and Springboks face off at Eden Park on Saturday.
The 22-year-old has been involved in two victories over the All Blacks previously with South Africa but is primed to earn his first appearance against the men in black in New Zealand.
In fact, it is the first time that the young Springboks star will play a match in Aotearoa, having made his breakthrough into the professional game after South Africa’s exit from Super Rugby.
First time in New Zealand
Having watched South African clubs and the Springboks play in New Zealand during his youth, Moodie is buzzing for the opportunity to do so himself.
“It’s my first time in New Zealand. So it’s been quite a welcome,” he told reporters.
“It’s been raining every 5 minutes, and getting used to the jet lag has been tough for sure. Auckland is a nice city, we had a couple of days off to walk around, and it has been good so far.
“When I came through, Super Rugby was a thing of the past. I missed out on a few of the tours here, so it’s my first time coming here.
“In South Africa, these games are early in the morning. As a kid, I remember grabbing my blanket and switching on the TV to watch.”
For many South Africans, facing the All Blacks remains the pinnacle, a fact echoed by RG Snyman earlier this week and something that Moodie believes in too.
While he has played New Zealand twice in the past, facing the All Blacks in their own backyard is a different story.
“I have played against the All Blacks twice, the first time at Twickenham and then the second time in Cape Town,” he said.
“For me, it’s a huge honour. I can’t even describe the magnitude of the opportunity. I always used to get up early to watch these games, and now to be a part of it is really special, especially as such a young player.”
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Intimidating Eden Park showdown and switching roles
The youngster admits that there is certainly an intimidating factor in the match as the Springboks aim to end the All Blacks’ 50-game unbeaten run at Eden Park, but adds that the pressure is on both teams to get a result.
After two rounds of action in the Rugby Championship, all four teams have fallen to a defeat and picked up a victory, which has thrown the competition wide open.
The match is set to be a milestone fixture for All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea who is set to earn his 100th cap for his country.
“Obviously it is. The magnitude of the match means there is bound to be pressure,” Moodie said.
“The All Blacks have a lot to play with their record at Eden Park, Ardie Savea’s 100th game; there is a lot on the line for them.
“So the pressure of the game is bound to be there, but we are just focused on the job on Saturday, and all the other records and milestones are just external factors.
“The game is important to us, and we will do everything that we need to get a result.”
Moodie could feature on the wing again for the Springboks this weekend, with head coach Rassie Erasmus set to name his team on Thursday.
The Bulls’ back has shifted between wing and centre for his club last season and is now doing the same for the Springboks after starting in the midfield against Italy and Georgia in July.
However, injuries to Edwill van der Merwe and Kurt-Lee Arendse have necessitated the need for Moodie to shift out to the wider role.
The extremely talented back admits that it is tricky to chop and change between the roles, but says that making the mental switch early in the week is key.
“It’s a bit tricky because the roles and responsibilities between the wing and 13 are very different,” he explained.
“Leading up to a Test week, you change your mindset in the way you are going to play on the weekend. It’s been tricky, but I feel like when I’m going to play on the wing, I’m fully switched on for that. Whether that’s being in the aerial battle, being different in defence and everything that comes with that.
“It’s about making that mental switch on a Monday that is important.”
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