Ethan Hooker, the versatile South African player, is preparing for a crucial moment in his career. Hooker, who will be a starter this Saturday against New Zealand in the Rugby Championship, is living a dream come true in New Zealand. The player, who will make his third appearance with the Springboks, seeks redemption after the defeat at Eden Park. Head coach Rassie Erasmus has revamped the back line, including Hooker in his strategy. Hooker, who came off the bench in Auckland, is eager to prove his worth from the start. Speaking to the SA Rugby website, the Sharks player expressed his enthusiasm.
Hooker also shared his first impressions of New Zealand.After playing last week and feeling the intensity of the game, I realized the difference between playing in the Vodacom URC and international rugby, so I’m really looking forward to playing this weekend.
Ethan Hooker
The player expressed the importance of this opportunity.I had never been to New Zealand before, so the time difference was something new for me, but I remember waking up early to watch matches between the teams with my father, so driving to Eden Park last week was very special.
Ethan Hooker
The current Rugby Championship champions are under pressure after two losses in three matches, and they need a win against the All Blacks to stay in the fight for the title. Erasmus explained his decision to modify the backs line, taking into account the results.Coming to New Zealand and playing here is obviously a dream come true, and I just want to go out there and make the most of the opportunity.
Ethan Hooker
Erasmus continued explaining the strategy.This is an exciting team, which we believe will provide us with the power we need, and spark in the back line against a quality team like the All Blacks.
Rassie Erasmus
The coach emphasized the importance of the next match.We have largely maintained consistency in selection in recent matches, but aside from what we feel some of the selected players can bring to our attack, we would like to see what some of the players can do against the top-ranked team in the world.
Rassie Erasmus
Hooker also addressed the pressure of this crucial encounter.This is a vital match for our Castle Lager Rugby Championship campaign, and we feel that some fresh energy and legs is what we need to get the desired result.
Rassie Erasmus
The player explained how he manages emotions on the field.There are definitely nerves and excitement, especially with the importance of the match in the race for the title, so it’s a match that must be won.
Ethan Hooker
Hooker has received support in training to control nerves, with the experienced center pair Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende guiding the rookies in their combinations. Hooker highlighted the value of having experienced players on the team.The emotion comes from being on the field and being able to represent your country, and the nerves come from the stage you are playing on. So it’s important to find the balance between both on that day, so you don’t get too nervous or excited, and keep a cool head when entering the game.
Ethan Hooker
Hooker also talked about the progress in training.We are privileged to have guys like Jesse and Damian on the team; they have calmed us down a lot.
Ethan Hooker
The player clarified the team’s mentality.We have been training with them for a few months and learning from them in the process, which will give us confidence when entering the field.
Ethan Hooker
Springboks Lineup:We definitely won’t play with fear, as some people think. Our goal is to go out and play the best we can, like any other player. The combinations are working very well in training and, in general, the guys don’t feel pressure, which is positive and we can take it this weekend.
Ethan Hooker
- 15 Aphelele Fassi
- 14 Cheslin Kolbe
- 13 Canan Moodie
- 12 Damian Willemse
- 11 Ethan Hooker
- 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
- 9 Cobus Reinach
- 8 Jasper Wiese
- 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit
- 6 Siya Kolisi
- 5 Ruan Nortje
- 4 Lood de Jager (Wild Knights)
- 3 Thomas du Toit
- 2 Malcolm Marx
- 1 Ox Nche
