Did Moodie punch his ticket to the World Cup?
SPOTLIGHT: Bulls wing Canan Moodie made a huge statement, with a man-of-the-match performance during South Africa’s 24-13 win over Argentina in Buenos Aires at the weekend.
However, is it enough to gain selection for the Springboks’ World Cup squad?
Bok coach Jacques Nienaber will name his 33-man squad on Tuesday in Johannesburg.
The coach faces some difficult selection decisions – after fringe players like Moodie really impressed during the 11-point victory at Estadio Jose Amalfitani.
In the match, the 20-year-old showed his incredible skills.
According to the official match stats, Moodie topped the charts for the most line-breaks, made nine carries, beat four defenders, while his run metres were well into triple digits.
He sealed a great performance a crucial try early in the second half.
He has been consistent and has made a strong case for inclusion in the World Cup squad.
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However, this is where it gets tricky.
With Cheslin Kolbe in poll position for selection, Moodie’s inclusion could mean that either veteran Springbok Makazole Mapimpi or Kurt-Lee Arensdse gets cut.
The 2019 World Cup winner Mapimpi’s recent form has put a huge question mark on his head.
And despite delivering a solid performance to remind selected of his abilities, his spot is under huge threat by Moodie.
But should the Springbok selectors opt for experience – with Kolbe and Mapimpi – it will mean that either Arendse or Moodie will be omitted.
Arendse seems to have an edge over his Bulls teammate, but Moodie will be hopeful that he has proven that he can don the Springbok as they seek to secure a fourth World Cup title in France.
“For some of the guys, we wanted to prove that we could hopefully punch our ticket to France and be part of the squad by performing,” Moodie said after the match.
“It’s going to be a big day for the guys [on Tuesday].
“We got our opportunity to prove ourselves and now whatever happens will happen. It will be a privilege for anyone to go to the World Cup and try and defend the title.”
