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The stats behind the giant Springbok centre that selectors went cold on

By Online Editors
(Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images for Barbarians )

Rugby 365: There is one Springbok player who probably should have more Test caps to his name: Sharks centre Andre Esterhuizen has been one of the top performers in Super Rugby over the last couple of seasons. Despite this, the 26-year-old has only got eight Test appearances for the Springboks.

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According to Opta’s stats, Esterhuizen (6’4, 113kg) has made 210 carries and attempted 207 tackles in Super Rugby since the beginning of the 2019 campaign. He is the only player to register 200+ in both categories. With those powerful carries, he had a knack of getting his team over the advantage line and his offloading abilities in the tackle makes him dangerous in the midfield.

The stats are impressive, but Esterhuizen is still not a popular choice for the No.12 jersey amongst some fans and to a degree the Springbok coaching team as well. Despite some strong performances for the Sharks, he was still deemed surplus to requirements when Rassie Erasmus named his Springbok World Cup squad last year.

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The finale of The Season…

A red card in the final moments of BBC’s crucial traditional match against
Nudgee puts the defence under immense pressure, while the next generation of rugby players gain inspiration from the school’s Year 12’s. With the premiership out of reach, the First XV gather for an emotional final outing on Miskin Oval, while some of the seniors experience life-changing growth with the Ninja Warrior Program. As the sun sets on the 2019 campaign, the focus turns to reflection, growth and admiration of the goals achieved during a watershed season for the rugby program.

Video Spacer

The finale of The Season…

A red card in the final moments of BBC’s crucial traditional match against
Nudgee puts the defence under immense pressure, while the next generation of rugby players gain inspiration from the school’s Year 12’s. With the premiership out of reach, the First XV gather for an emotional final outing on Miskin Oval, while some of the seniors experience life-changing growth with the Ninja Warrior Program. As the sun sets on the 2019 campaign, the focus turns to reflection, growth and admiration of the goals achieved during a watershed season for the rugby program.

With Damian de Allende the first-choice No.12, Erasmus opted to include Frans Steyn in his planning due to his versatility in various positions, which included the midfield. Esterhuizen has started in seven of his eight Test appearances since making his debut against Wales in Washington DC in 2018.

A few of those matches under Erasmus were experimental sides and Esterhuisen’s record currently stands at four wins and four losses at international level.

In 2020, Esterhuizen was in fine form before the Super Rugby season was suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

His partnership with Lukhanyo Am in the midfield has been one of, if not, the best in the tournament this year with the Sharks sitting at the top of the overall standings before the suspension.

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It is Esterhuizen’s final season with the Sharks after he signed for English club Harlequins ahead of the 2020/2021 European season.

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Trevor 8 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

21 Go to comments
B
Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

29 Go to comments
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