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Moodie answered some World Cup questions says Bok boss

REACTION: Canan Moodie has been making headlines throughout the week and he certainly delivered on Saturday.

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The 19-year-old, who became the second youngest player to make a debut for the Springboks, marked his bow into international rugby on a positive note.

Moodie, named in the starting XV in place of Warrick Gelant, was up against a world-class wing in the form of Marika Korobiete.

However, the young prodigy held his own and scored a sensational try during the Springboks’ 24-8 win over the Wallabies in Sydney.

The Bulls star soared above Koroibete to pluck a high Jaden Hendrikse box kick and race away to score, putting his side 12-3 clear in the shadows of half-time.

“I’m really happy for Moodie,” Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber said when asked about the youngster’s dream Bok start.

“He had been good for his franchise, the Bulls, in United Rugby Championship and we have been following him for quite some time.

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“Unfortunately there has been a couple of injuries and he is the fifth or sixth right wing we have played this year.

“I think while we are trying to win the Championship, we also try to get some answers on certain positions heading into the World Cup and Canan Moodie along with Kurt-Lee Arende was some of those answers.

“The challenge for us is to be creative in terms of squad selection and get some answers using 32 players.

“You do sacrifice some continuity, but the team never lost belief.

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“And I’m very proud of Canan.”

Rectify Adelaide’s wrongs

The Boks headed into the match under loads of pressure but scored four tries which saw them end their nine-year losing streak in Australia.

It was a very physical performance from the Boks, who dominated proceedings from the start.

Unlike during last week’s defeat in Adelaide, the Springboks capitalise on their opportunities.

Damian De Allende scored the team’s first try after just nine minutes, with Moodie, Franco Mostert and Makazole Mapimpi adding their names to the score sheet in the second half.

The Springboks also capitalised on their opportunities.

“We were much better, last week we created a couple of chances but we did not make use of it,” Nienaber said.

“I also thought last week we were not happy with the intensity, especially in the first 20 minutes and this week it was much better.”

@rugby365com

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