Hybrid role has been eye-opener for new Springbok captain Esterhuizen

Perth, Australia – Andre Esterhuizen says his hybrid role in the South Africa squad has been an eye-opener. The Springboks centre will captain the side for the first time in Sunday's one-off Test against Australia in Perth, and he believes the experiences in different positions are changing how he reads the game. Esterhuizen will become the 68th Springboks captain, replacing rested skipper Siya Kolisi. Coach Rassie Erasmus made 13 changes for the match after a bruising 3-1 series win over New Zealand. Esterhuizen starts at centre but could move to the side of the scrum in the second half, while hooker Malcolm Marx has also been trialed as a flanker and could be used off the bench. “I think I see the game differently now,” Esterhuizen told reporters on Saturday. “I understand when the forwards might be getting tired, which is something you don’t always appreciate as a back until you’ve done that work yourself. It helps me know what to look for. After a long passage of play or a big scrum, you understand exactly how the forwards are feeling and what the next call should be.” Modern rugby increasingly demands versatility. Esterhuizen’s ability to understand forward play while remaining a threat in midfield gives Erasmus more tactical options. He can be pulled back into the forward pack, or a fresh player can replace him in midfield, preserving the team’s intensity. Esterhuizen will partner Canan Moodie in the centres. The two have built a close partnership on and off the field. “We’ve always played well together,” Esterhuizen said. “We talk quite a bit. Before games, we usually sit down and talk through different scenarios. He knows what I’m likely to do in certain situations. I think we’re in each other’s heads a little bit, which helps a lot.” Taking over the captaincy from Siya Kolisi, Esterhuizen praised the two-time World Cup winner’s leadership. “One thing I’ve always noticed about him is how composed and calm he remains, no matter what the situation is. He knows when to step back and when to step up.” Sunday’s match will show how far South Africa have progressed with their multi-position experiment. If Esterhuizen delivers in both roles, Erasmus will have another strategic weapon in the quest to defend the World Cup title. Source: Reuters.