The Springboks winning team for the Rugby World Cup semi-final against England on Saturday night at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis includes Canan Moodie.
Moodie came into the World Cup in blistering form, but after missing the opening game against Scotland due to an injury, he has had to settle into the Springboks back-up group.
It’s unfair to label them second string. Still, the sides that the Boks selected for their pool matches against Romania and Tonga would typically not be selected for their major matches, as witnessed so far at this World Cup, but Moodie looks like he’ll finally get a run in a big game.
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Moodie, along with Handre Pollard, took part in the Springboks Tuesday press conference, and players who take part in media responsibilities during a match week are nearly invariably part of the playing 23 on the weekend.
It will be intriguing to watch where Moodie is deployed, given he has played outside centre in his past three Boks games, rather than his usual position on the wing.
The Boks will have a difficult decision to make at 13 for the game, as fit-again Lukhanyo Am should be in line for some critical playing time, while Jesse Kriel played an absolute blinder in the Boks’ quarterfinal triumph over France over the weekend, which Moodie confessed was eye-opening for him.
“Jesse played an amazing game at the weekend. Thirteen is a very important position on defence and defence wins you World Cups,” said Moodie. “It was a monster performance from him and being able to see that (was great).
To see this and experience it and take as much info from it, to see how he carries himself as well (means) a lot for me as a young guy.”
Though the Springboks could be forgiven for turning their emphasis to the World Cup final, where they could face the All Blacks, Moodie stated that they were totally focused on the task at hand and would treat England with respect.
“I think we are laser focused on the task at hand. We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. I think all (the) prep is for this weekend,” explained Moodie.
“A semifinal is very important. No one wants to play in the third and fourth-place play-off so I think you have to get past the semifinal first before you focus on the final.
“I think England are a very good team. If I get the opportunity (to play), I will make the most of it. It’s (team selection) all up to the coaches, we trust the coaches and whatever plans they have. They will put the right squad out there for Saturday.”
