Victor Matfield says Canan Moodie will be crucial to the Vodacom Bulls’ efforts to blunt Leinster’s attack in Friday night’s URC final at Croke Park.
While the Bulls will back their powerful scrum to provide a platform in Dublin, Matfield believes their ability to contain Leinster’s potent backline could prove decisive.
“The player who stands out for me [in the Bulls’ defence] is Canan Moodie at 13,” said the former Bulls and Springbok lock. “It’s a great test for him because against this Leinster attack you need a 13 who makes good decisions.”
Leinster have opted for the hard-running Rieko Ioane in midfield ahead of Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose, with the latter named on the bench.
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Matfield believes Moodie’s defensive reads could have a major influence on the outcome of the match.
“The Stormers were really physical against Leinster and got hard off the line,” he said of the Dublin semi-final, in which the Cape side stayed in the contest until the final quarter.
“The Bulls are a bit softer defensively, but Canan likes to come out of the line and shut things down.
“That’s why I think it’s going to be so important for him to make good decisions in that 13 channel.”
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Matfield believes the 23-year-old is destined to make the No 13 jersey his own.
‘Moodie is an up-and-coming star. He started on the wing, but I really enjoy him at 13 and I think that’ll be his position going forward with the Springboks as well.”
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Matfield also highlighted Leinster’s efficiency inside the opposition 22.
“When Leinster get into your 22, their execution and their ability to score is unbelievable.
“The structure they have and the options they’ve got in the 22 are outstanding.
“If you give them too many opportunities in your 22, you’re in trouble because their conversion rate is really good.”
Photo: Huw Fairclough/Getty Images
The post Matfield: Moodie the man to shut down Leinster appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Victor Matfield says Canan Moodie will be crucial to the Vodacom Bulls’ efforts to blunt Leinster’s attack in Friday night’s URC final at Croke Park.
The post Matfield: Moodie the man to shut down Leinster appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
