Harlequins move the ‘best decision’ Andre Esterhuizen has made

Robust centre Andre Esterhuizen labelled his switch to Premiership club Harlequins as the “best decision” he has made as he is set to start for the Springboks against the Wallabies in the opening round of the Rugby Championship.

Esterhuizen joined Quins in 2020, soon after missing out on the 2019 Rugby World Cup squad. The centre admits to questioning whether it was the right decision initially – an outlook that would soon change.

The Springbok quickly formed an effective combination with English fly-half Marcus Smith and slotted perfectly into the attacking-oriented style of the club that won the Premiership in Esterhuizen’s first season.

Transformed his development

The former Shark believes that playing within an attacking team has been crucial for his resurgence as a Test prospect under head coach Jacques Nienaber.

“I didn’t think it would be so important for my career. When I got there, I wondered at the beginning if it was the right decision,” he said.

“Playing in another team, which has such a big focus on attacking play, meant an incredible amount to my development.

“I think I am much better equipped these days, and I also think differently about the game. Looking back, it’s the best decision I’ve made.”

World Cup motivation

Back in 2019, the star centre found himself in a similar situation, being in and around the Springboks‘ set-up but ultimately missing out on the World Cup triumph. He is highly motivated to book his ticket to France and represent his country on the biggest stage of them all.

“I just missed 2019,” Esterhuizen said. “Any player wants to represent his country in a World Cup tournament.

“This is my big motivation. But I also know you have to be grateful for every Test you play in, because it’s a great honour.”

Meanwhile, Esterhuizen is expecting Eddie Jones’ Wallabies to be a handful, particularly with their talent in the centres.

🗣️ "This squad features several Rugby World Cup winners and a crop of younger players who have done the job for us.”

🇿🇦 Duane Vermeulen skippers the Springboks in their first Test match of 2023.#RugbyChampionship #RSAvAUShttps://t.co/BsgXNt5aYD

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) July 4, 2023

“Eddie knows how to motivate a team, and that will fire them up,” Esterhuizen said.

“They have quite a few dangerous players in midfield in particular. Someone like Izaia Perese is going to be a handful.

“We don’t know if Samu Kerevi will play, but regardless, they have great stopping power in the backline.”

READ MORE: Wallabies expect a ‘big challenge’ regardless of who the Springboks start