VIDEO: White's verdict on Moodie's centre role
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White does not doubt that Canan Moodie will rectify his errors following his first performance at outside centre for the franchise.
The Springbok star played in the No.13 jersey during the Bulls’ win over the Dragons in Newport last weekend.
The Round 12 United Rugby Championship match in Wales was the first time Moodie was selected in that position for the franchise.
Having played most of his professional career at wing, the 21-year-old has been deployed at centre for the Springboks on a few occasions.
Moodie started at No.13 in the record 35-7 demolition of the All Blacks in the World Cup warm-up match at Twickenham last year.
He backed that impressive performance with another stellar outing in the 76-0 whitewash of Romania at Stade de Bordeaux during the World Cup.
While he was not at his best during the Bulls’ 31-10 bonus-point win over Dragons, White will not hesitate to utilise the young star at outside centre as SA’s Young Player of the Year grows comfortable with the position.
*Story continues below…
“He [Moodie] made a couple of wrong reads on defence and admits it,” White said when asked about the young gun’s performance at outside centre.
“He said he got caught in no man’s land a few times. But to be fair it is the first time he played with [inside centre] Harold Voster and it’s the first time he played centre in a long time.
“So yes I’m sure he will get better.
“He showed he is comfortable being a centre against the All Blacks.
“He wants to play centre.
“He played centre at school, so I’m sure he will work hard on those mistakes.”
The Bulls will take on the Leinster in a top-of-the-table this Friday in Dublin.
