- Springbok center Andre Esterhuizen is expected to bring physicality mixed with his newly acquired soft touches for Saturday’s test against Italy in Genoa.
- Esterhuizen made his name as a brutal center on the Sharks, but he has shaped his game to become an all-around threat.
- Springbok manager Jacques Nienaber is interested to see how he will partner with Damian de Allende.
in Genoa
Springbok center Andre Esterhuizen, nicknamed the ‘Agent of Chaos’ at his English club Harlequins, is expected to light up the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Saturday when he kicks off against Italy.
Esterhuizen, who in his tenure with the Harlequins transformed from a one-dimensional hitting midfielder to a multi-skilled running back who keeps defenses guessing, had to wait for his chance with Damián de Allende as the first 12 choice.
De Allende switched to 13 to accommodate Esterhuizen, who will be unavailable for next week’s Test against England at Twickenham.
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Springbok manager Jacques Nienaber said he expects a lot from this new midfield combination that will see Jesse Kriel take a break.
“Jesse has done well, but some of our players won’t be available for next week’s game against England because the game is outside the trial window,” Nienaber said.
“He’s been with us all year, he’s been training well and he deserves a chance. We have always thought of this game as one of not having injuries.
gazelle team
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Damian de Allende, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche
Substitutes: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Evan Roos, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Manie Libbok
“We think the combination of Andre and Damian will be great, especially when you come up against a team like Italy.
“We look forward to seeing this particular combination together.”
De Allende’s move to 13 is just part of the changes the Springboks have made in their bid to score selection boxes ahead of next year’s World Cup.
With young forward Evan Roos also competing with Stormers duo Marvin Orie and Salmaan Moerat competing in the number five and four jerseys, SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said they were in the process of having several deep questions. . answered.
“What we are getting now are answers and solutions and now we need to see a guy like Damián, who is a quality player, fit into the center against a good team like Italy,” Erasmus said.
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“We’re getting some answers there, but I think for the Italy game, we’ll most likely have Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert in lockdown later in the game.
“Most likely we will have Kwagga Smith running on the flank with Evan replacing Jasper at number eight.
“We’re going to have to plan for something like that because we’re going to need that impact off the bench and especially with the way they’ve been growing as a team.”
