Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick is excited by the selection of Ethan Hooker on the left wing for Saturday’s clash against the All Blacks in Wellington. SIMON BORCHARDT reports.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus has made seven changes to his starting XV for the Rugby Championship rematch, including a new-look backline with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at flyhalf and Damian Willemse at inside centre.
Hooker will make his first Test start, having come off the bench against Italy in Port Elizabeth and the All Blacks at Eden Park last week.
Stick said the 22-year-old had earned his opportunity.
“We’ve tracked Ethan, we’ve seen how he was performing for the Sharks, and one thing I enjoy about him – besides his speed and physique – is his physical presence in the wider channels. That’s something we’re going to need. The All Blacks can be tough in those wider channels, and I believe Ethan will be able to handle those challenges.”
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Stick added that the rest of the new-look backline was more experienced than many believed.
“A lot of people don’t realise these guys have been with us in our system for the past couple of years. Gaza [Damian Willemse] is 27 and has already won two World Cups. Sacha [Feinberg-Mngomezulu] has been with us for the past two to three seasons. The only guy I can say is slightly new to our system is Ethan.
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“We keep on saying it’s a young backline, but we’re just used to seeing certain names. We can’t be too comfortable and always rely on the same individuals. I’m excited to see these guys get an opportunity.
“I like the balance of having experienced players like Cheslin Kolbe and Aphelele Fassi alongside Ethan, and seeing Cheslin partner with Sacha, who’s been one of our key players for the past few years.”
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Stick said the world champions would “have to be at our best for 80 minutes” on Saturday to bounce back from their Eden Park defeat and stay in the Rugby Championship title race.
“You’re talking about world-class [All Blacks] players – if you give them an opportunity, they will punish you. Against teams like Georgia or Italy, you can get away with certain things, but not in New Zealand. We have to be clinical and turn our opportunities into points.”
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Stick also sent his condolences to the family of former Springbok fullback Bevin Fortuin, who passed away on Friday.
“When I heard the news, it was very, very sad. The first thing I thought about was his boy – I know how close he was with his boy and how supportive he was. And also his wife. They still had some great years ahead of them as a family.
“To lose a father at the age of 46 is heartbreaking. I feel for his family. The only thing I can say is may God protect the family, protect the wife, protect the son. I know it’s going to be tough times for them.”
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Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
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