South African utility back Ethan Hooker, who will compete in Springbok on Saturday as he faces New Zealand in the Rugby Championship, is making the most of his “dream-realization” trip to Long White Cloud’s land.
Hooker, who will make his third appearance for the Boxes as he is about to recover from his defeat at Eden Park on Saturday, has been named by head coach Lassy Erasmus on a new look backline. He’s coming out of the Auckland bench and enjoying the opportunity to get started.
On the Sa Lugby website, a Sa Sharks player said:
“I’ve never been to New Zealand before, so the jet lag was new to me, but driving to Eden Park last week was very special because I remember waking up early to watch a side game with my dad.
“It’s obviously a dream come true to come to New Zealand and play here. I just want to go there and make the most of the opportunity.”
The defending rugby championship holder has been soaked in hot water after two of the three defeats in his previous campaign, and will need a victory against the All Blacks to stay in the title race this season.
Erasmus explained his decision to change the backline with the outcome in mind.
“We have maintained a significant consistency in our selection in the last few matches, but we want to see what we can do with the top ranked teams around the world, apart from what some of the selected players feel can add to their offense.
“This is an important match for the Castle Ruger Rugby Championship Campaign and I feel that fresh feet and energy are what we need to achieve the desired results.”
Hooker added that pressure to save the day:
“The excitement is on the pitch, you can represent your country, and the nerves come from coming from the stage you are playing. So it’s important to find the balance between these two for the day.
He gets help from training when it comes to stabilizing the nerves.
Hooker added:
“We have been training with them for several months and we learned from them in the process, which gives us the confidence to go on the pitch.
“We definitely don’t play with fear, as some people think. Our goal is to get out there as much as we can, just like any other player.
“The combination works really well in training, and in general, guys don’t feel pressured.
Springbox Team:
15 Aphery Fass, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian Willems, 11 Ethhan Higher, 10 Scha Feinberg-Mnug, 8 Jasper Wise, 7 Piteter-Stepph You Tout, 8 Liad (Wild Knights), 3 Thomas You Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox nchee
Exchange: 16 Marnus van Der Merwe (Scarlets), 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen