— Cape Town Rassie Erasmus did it a few years back with Andre Esterhuizen, and now the Springboks’ Rugby World Cup-winning coach has done it again ahead of Saturday’s match in Sydney against the Wallabies (11.35am kick-off, SA time).
Erasmus and then-Bok defense coach Jacques Nienaber were seen in a 2018 video explaining to Esterhuizen that he needed to tackle higher as a thinly-veiled swipe at Owen Farrell, who was not penalised for a dangerous shoulder charge on the Bok centre in the previous weekend’s 12-11 England victory at Twickenham.
This week, Erasmus was at it again in Sydney. In a video shared on SuperSport’s Tiktok account, the former loose forward was practicing his tackle technique with rookie wing Canan Moodie.
The 19-year-old Bulls star crashes into the tackle bag many times, bringing a smile to Erasmus’ face in what may be interpreted as a jab at Wallaby wing Marika Koroibete for the manner in which he knocked down Bok No. 11 Makazole Mapimpi in last week’s 25-17 loss in Adelaide.
@supersportofficial You are obviously aware of what Rassie is saying to Canan Moodie! [CDATA[]]>🗣! [CDATA[]]>😀 original sound – #Springboks #RassieErasmus #RugbyTok #RugbyUnion #RugbyBoys
Koroibete escaped a penalty for a shoulder charge on Mapimpi as the Bok speedster dove over the try line, sending the ball soaring forward. Paul Williams did not penalize the Wallaby left wing, nor did he report the play to the TMO.
In this weekend’s matchup at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium, Bok right flank Moodie will meet Koroibete and will attempt to halt him in his tracks, especially after receiving suggestions from Erasmus.
It will be an unforgettable day for the Paarl native, who received a video message from his Bulls teammates on Wednesday.
“Hey Moodie! First and foremost, from the backs’ side and all of us, best of luck for the weekend. We are really proud of you,” said Bulls center Cornal Hendricks, who was joined by many other backs, including the suspended Bok winger Kurt-Lee Arendse.
🔊 WHAT A MOOD 🔊 The backs had a special message for our own Bok rookie, Canan Moodie, the second-youngest Springbok ever. Saturday cannot arrive quickly enough! [CDATA[]]>🇦! pic.twitter.com/CT0qSk7X23 [CDATA[]]>
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When he hits the field on Saturday at the age of 19 years and 304 days, Moodie will become the second-youngest Bok since readmission, after Frans Steyn (19 years and 181 days).
“He and his family have incredible cause for pride. He makes his international debut at the age of 19. At the squad announcement, Nienaber said, “It’s amazing!”
I simply desired proximity to the game.
This is what motivated Canan Moodie to play for a team in the @Vodacom #URC quarterfinals. Listen to what he is saying. #AllFor1 picture: https://twitter.com/RSb4d0csZ5
— vodacomrugby (@VodacomRugga) June 4, 2022
“He deserves it very well. This young man has earned his promotion due to his performance with the Bulls.
“Canan worked diligently, had an opportunity, and seized it with both hands. This is how we became aware of him. We are also really proud of his debut.
“Canan has been with us for the past month. He is extremely coachable and ensures that he knows every detail.
“He may be 19 years old, but he has matured beyond belief in our rugby atmosphere. I sincerely hope that his debut is a success.”