Ethan Blackadder quipped that he’s in competition with himself to grow an impressive handlebar moustache, but his real competition is to push hard for a Test spot. CLINTON VAN DER BERG reports.
Blackadder, sporting what one wag called a “lip caterpillar”, will start at openside flank against the Lions at Ellis Park on Tuesday night, knowing that natural attrition, and form, could yet swing things his way.
“Rens [Dave Rennie] made it pretty clear that we’re not just filling in a game, we’re trying to play our best footy to push for a jersey. So yeah, the competition is well and truly there for that,” said the 14-cap loose forward.
TEAM: Richie at 10 as All Blacks aim for SA sweep
On whether he shares teammate Richie Mo’unga’s feeling of missing the environment when not involved, Blackadder was emphatic: “Yeah, absolutely. Watching the All Blacks last year and not being involved, you still feel like getting back out there and being in that environment. I think it’s similar for a lot of players in that position.”
He also spoke in general terms about playing SA opposition again, saying that the country’s teams had been missed since withdrawing from Super Rugby in 2020.
“It’s pretty awesome to play South African teams [on tour]. We’ve missed that for a long time.”
MORE: Richie relishing All Blacks return
After a thumb injury ended his season in 2025, Blackadder returned with the Crusaders this year and was again a regular starter, helping rebuild his case for higher honours.
He made 11 Super Rugby Pacific appearances during the season and his form earned him an All Blacks recall for the tour to South Africa, his first call-up since 2024, ending a lengthy absence from the national side.
His most recent Test appearance had also come in South Africa, at Ellis Park, making the return particularly significant.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post Bullish Blackadder chasing down a Test spot appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Ethan Blackadder quipped that he’s in competition with himself to grow an impressive handlebar moustache, but his real competition is to push hard for a Test spot.
The post Bullish Blackadder chasing down a Test spot appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
