Springbok utility back Canan Moodie says the possibility of stepping onto Eden Park for the first time in a Test on Saturday will be the fulfilment of a boyhood dream.
The 22-year-old has already faced the All Blacks at Twickenham and Cape Town, but never in New Zealand.
He also never got the opportunity to tour New Zealand with the Vodacom Bulls because he made his senior debut in 2022 – well after South Africa left Super Rugby.
So he’s looking forward to running out against the All Blacks in their own backyard.
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“I’ve never been to New Zealand before,” Moodie revealed at a media conference in Auckland.
“I’ve played against the All Blacks twice before – once at Twickenham and the other in Cape Town – so for me it’s a massive honour being part of this group.
“I actually can’t even express the magnitude of this opportunity. For me as a young boy I used to get up early to watch Tests between the Springboks and the All Blacks in New Zealand and now I have the opportunity to be part of it.
“It’s very special and very exciting as a young player to be involved in something so big.”
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Eden Park has been a fortress for the All Blacks, who have not lost there in 50 Tests. Add to that the occasion of Ardie Savea’s massive milestone, and the stage is set for a fiery showdown.
Moodie admits the stakes raise the pressure, but says the Boks are locked in on the task.
“Because of the magnitude of the match, there will be pressure. The All Blacks have a lot to play for, obviously their record at Eden Park, Ardie Savea’s 100th game – there’s a lot on the line for them. So I think the pressure of the game is definitely going to be there.
“But we know what we need to do, and we’re focused on doing the job on Saturday. The game is very important to us and we’ll do everything we need to get a result on Saturday.”
Grant Williams sealing an important victory against the All Blacks in last year’s Castle Lager Rugby Championship
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— Springboks (@Springboks) September 2, 2025
The youngster’s versatility has been a major weapon for Rassie Erasmus’ side, with Moodie comfortable in both midfield and on the wing. But he admits switching between the two positions is not easy.
“It is a bit tricky. Obviously playing 13 differs a lot from playing 14 in terms of the roles and responsibilities, but I think leading up to the Test you fully change your mindset and where you need to be for the weekend. Making that mental switch on the Monday is quite important.”
As South Africa chase a fifth straight victory over their fiercest rivals, a possible dream debut for Moodie at Eden Park could become a defining moment in his blossoming career.
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Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
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