Last shot as Moodie embraces World Cup selection pressure
SPOTLIGHT: The young Canan Moodie showed no signs of nerves as he gets ready to ‘fire a shot’ at a Springbok World Cup spot this Saturday.
Moodie has been named in the Springboks’ starting XV to face Argentina on Saturday in Buenos Aires.
The match is the final game before Jacques Nienaber names his 33-man World Cup squad and also a last chance for 20-year-old Moodie to make a statement for selection.
The Bulls wing faces very stiff competition in the shape of fellow backs Cheslin Kolbe, Makazole Mapimpi and Kurt-Lee Arendse.
Kolbe and Mapimpi have established themselves in the Springboks setup. They were part of the 2019 World Cup triumph and look set to head to the showpiece in France next month.
Arendse has pencilled his name on the World Cup team sheet with his hat-trick against Australia during the Rugby Championship opener.
Moodie, who has five Test caps to his name, has also delivered some impressive performances. He played well in the 43-12 win over Australia and his ability under the high ball gives him an extra nudge for the Bok spot.
For any other 20-year-old the situation would be debilitating, but the calm Moodie, born in Paarl, has embraced the moment as he faces the most significant audition of his career.
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“I’m not nervous at all, what happens, happens,” Moodie told reporters when asked about his World Cup prospects.
“I’m just focused on making the most of the opportunity. We all have a chance to fire shots for World Cup selection and put our names in the squad.”
He explained: “Cheslin [Kolbe] is leading well and Kurt-Lee [Arendse] and Makazole [Mapimpi] are playing well, and that brings out the best in me, so hopefully I can use my chance this week.”
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Help from a friend
Moodie is one of the 13 changes to the Springbok team. He takes over the No.14 jersey with Mapimpi at No.11, while Damian Willemse will start at fullback.
Arendse, who was part of last weekend’s starting XV, will be on the bench and has provided Moodie with much-needed guidance to combat the Los Pumas’ onslaught.
“Kurt-Lee is here with us and he gave me some inside info on how they contest in the air, how their kicking game is structured for us to go chasing and receive kicks,” said the 20-year-old.
“So that is helping me with my preparation for the week.
“It also helps a lot with the other guys that played [last weekend] to know where we can identify space and play into it.”
He added: “We know it is going to be tough, but we have our plans, and we have to stick to it.”
