VIDEO: The move that helped shape 'giant' Bok's game
SPOTLIGHT: Andre ‘the Giant’ Esterhuizen says he never thought his move to England, where he represented Harlequins from the end of 2019, would have such a major impact on his career.
Arriving in England, things initially seemed strange and very different.
Looking back now, he realises just how much it helped him grow as a player.
“I didn’t think the move to England would be so important in terms of my career,” the big centre told a media briefing on Monday.
“Where I came from, we attack all day long, so we just play attacking rugby.
“So that experience developed a whole new part of my game.
“As a person, I play a different kind of game, and I think differently about the game.
“Honestly, it has improved my game substantially and in the end, it was important for my career.”
Esterhuizen is often described as abrasive and skilful, and he says he has no qualms about being abrasive if the game needs it.
(Continue below…)
“You want to go out with every game and express yourself,” he said.
“To go out and play the best I can – being abrasive, getting the team over the gain-line, being solid on defence, and obviously distribution as well.
“There is always an opportunity for an individual to put their hand.
“Obviously we’ve got a goal as a team but a lot of the game plan and plans around the play revolves around the individual.
“You need to make something happen for the next person to play off you,” Esterhuizen added.
Despite being a regular member of the Springbok squad, Esterhuizen narrowly missed out on the World Cup in 2019.
“Any player wants to represent his country at a World Cup.
“For me, it is a huge motivation to get into the team and show what I can do.
“But every year is important, it doesn’t matter when you wear the Springbok jersey.
“It is always an honour and privilege.
“You can’t always do it, so when you get the opportunity, you must use it.”
Esterhuizen says the Springboks are ready to go and excited for international rugby to kick off.
“The Rugby Championship is a stepping stone to the World Cup, we need to move in the right direction, we need to get things right now, for the end goal.
“This is our main goal now, and all our focus is on this.
“And obviously we build through the year.”
Australia has quite a few exciting players, especially in midfield at the moment.
They brought in Suliasi Vunivalu that came from rugby league, who is a very good abrasive player.
“We don’t know who is going to play this weekend, but they’ve got a strong midfield, whoever they pick. It’s going to be a good match-up.”
