United Rugby Championship: Bulls teen Canan Moodie looking to apply lessons learned at Test level
Teenage sensation Canan Moodie is looking to apply lessons learnt from the start of his Test career to the Bulls United Rugby Championship campaign.
Moodie was called up to the Springboks squad after an injury to Cheslin Kolbe and suspension to Kurt-Lee Arendse. He immediately sparkled, scoring a stunning try on debut, rising high above Marika Koroibete to claim a high ball with an open try line ahead of him.
Took his chance
The 19-year-old admitted he expected to be adding numbers to training sessions but was prepared to give his best when the opportunity presented itself.
“I thought I’d be another Bok squad member holding [tackle] bags, but fortunately things came my way and I got an opportunity to play, and what an opportunity it was to show what I can do on the international stage,” Moodie said.
“Now, I’m back at the Bulls, with the lessons I’ve learned there, seeing how Test-match level is there and bringing that back to the URC … playing with amazing players like Sbu Nkosi, Cornal Hendricks and Kurt-Lee Arendse.”
Outrageous year for the young star
The Bulls star reflected on a promising year that saw him make his Currie Cup and Springboks debuts in the same season, an outrageous feat for a teenager.
“This year has been quite the year for me; I didn’t think last year when I was with the juniors that half of this would happen for me. Going from making my Currie Cup debut to the following week playing URC, to a few months later getting a call-up to the Bok squad.
“It’s been an amazing journey so far, and it’s just the beginning for me. Pulling on the blue jersey is also very special for me, showing once again what I’m made of, and proving myself week in and week out.
“People are obviously going to look out for me more – last year, I was the new kid on the block – and now having played for the Springboks … but that’s a challenge for me, and will bring the best out of me.”
Moodie revealed that Frans Steyn was one of the players who reassured him when he joined the squad as the veteran told him to back his ability.
“Coming into the camp as a 19-year-old, with all those big guys who’ve won the World Cup, he just told me, ‘They wouldn’t have picked you if you weren’t good enough. So, just give your best and do what you have to do’.”