André Esterhuizen says his hybrid role has best prepared him to lead the Springboks on Sunday, when the world champions face the Wallabies in Australia.
Esterhuizen will captain the team for the first time in the one-off Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium, becoming the 68th player to lead South Africa.
Speaking from Down Under on Saturday, the 2023 World Cup winner said he never expected to captain the Boks but described it as a “massive honour”.
He noted his captaincy with the Sharks has “helped me a lot”, although stressed that the Boks are a team full of leaders, which has made the step up feel comfortable.
ICYMI: Wallabies suffer blow for Bok clash
“It’s a privilege. I’m going out with the captaincy role, but it’s still all about the team. We’ve got so many leaders in the team who help each other,” Esterhuizen said.
“Ultimately, it’s what we all do together on the field. We play together. Whether I’m talking, Eben [Etzebeth]’s talking or Sous [Franco Mostert] is talking.
“I think being a leader at your franchise prepares you a bit for this. But, in saying that, it’s so much easier with so many guys around you who are all leaders. They help you in different areas of the game.”
CARE: André the Giant is proper
Having also played alongside Siya Kolisi at the Sharks, Esterhuizen has learned he can rely on those around him for guidance.
“Just to always see him composed and calm. It doesn’t matter what the situation is,” the former Harlequins star added.
“He knows when to step back and when to step up. I think that’s something I’ve taken from him.”
Esterhuizen highlighted that playing as a forward has helped him view the game differently, something he did not appreciate when he played solely as a centre.
“As a back, you don’t always understand that until you do that work yourself,” the 32-year-old said.
RASSIE: André the Giant deserves captaincy
“It’s about controlling the game and knowing what to look for. Then, after long passages of play or a few big scrums, you know exactly how the forwards are feeling and what the next call might be.”
Esterhuizen is also looking forward to partnering Canan Moodie in the midfield, having developed a strong understanding of when to run off one another and how to call moves.
“Before games we usually sit and talk through scenarios; he knows exactly what I’m possibly going to do. We are in each other’s heads, which helps a lot.”
FREE DIGI-MAG: Boks’ greatness grows
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
The post The Giant excited for his next evolution appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
André Esterhuizen says his hybrid role has best prepared him to lead the Springboks on Sunday, when the world champions face the Wallabies in Australia.
The post The Giant excited for his next evolution appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
