Springboks centre Esterhuizen embraces hybrid role among the forwards
CAPE TOWN - The age of the hybrid rugby player may be nearer than many think as world champions South Africa continue to innovate, having intentionally used centre Andre Esterhuizen as a flank in Saturday's 54-7 win over the Barbarians in Cape Town.
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has spoken at length in the past about developing players for multiple positions, and used Deon Fourie in both the front and back row of the scrum in their Rugby World Cup win in France in 2023.
However, playing a back in the forwards, not due to injury but as a plan that has been months in the making, could usher in a new era for South Africa as Erasmus seeks new ways to keep the four-time World Cup winners at the top of the global game.
He floated the idea to Esterhuizen at the start of the year and it is something they have been working on since.
"I was actually waiting for the conversation to happen, it has been brought up in the past," Esterhuizen, 31, told reporters. "As I get older, you learn how you can slot in everywhere, how you can get yourself into the team more constantly.
"You have to adapt as a player. I said I'd like to try it and I'm looking forward to what it can be. It will help me as a player and obviously it can help the team as well. Hopefully we see more of it in the future."
HYBRID PLAYERS
Erasmus has long championed having players versatile enough to feature in several positions and believes it is an important factor in winning a World Cup.
Not least because, in the Springboks' case, it allows more forwards among replacements to replenish their powerhouse pack and apply pressure on opponents for the full 80 minutes.
Erasmus previously used loose-forward Kwagga Smith as cover on the wing, and says Esterhuizen's emergence as a forward option is simply the reverse of that plan.
"I don't know if you can call him (Esterhuizen) a hybrid, but he is a backline player who can now also play in the forwards," he said.
"If we get injuries, a guy like Andre just gives us an option, because he's been training with both the forwards and the backs."
South Africa begin their international season with the first of two tests against Italy in Pretoria on Saturday. REUTERS
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
Guardiola worried that lack of rest after Club World Cup could 'destroy' Man City
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is concerned about the lack of rest his side will get ahead of the new Premier League season and said their involvement in the Club World Cup could "destroy" them. City wrapped up the previous Premier League season on May 25 and opened their Club World Cup campaign in Philadelphia just over three weeks later on June 18. They face Al-Hilal in Orlando on Saturday in the round of 16 and should City go on to reach the final on July 13 they will have a month to prepare for their new league campaign beginning on August 16. Guardiola said he did not know how much the Club World Cup would take out of his squad and told reporters to ask him about the impact later in the year. "I may say, so listen, we are a disaster. We are exhausted. The World Cup destroyed us," he added. "I don't know, but it's the first time in our life that that's happened. So we'll see." Guardiola said he understood comments made by former Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp, who said the expanded 32-team event, to be held once every four years during the pre-season, was football's worst idea. "Juergen, we fought together many, many times... when we went to UEFA meetings especially, or when we discussed the Premier League calendar, about how to add more quality, giving the managers and players more rest," Guardiola said. "So his comments didn't surprise me a lot ... I understand his argument, because I would defend his argument as well." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Straits Times
Lando Norris redeems himself at Austrian GP, but the race restarts again
McLaren driver Lando Norris celebrates with the team after a one-two finish in the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix. PHOTO: EPA What do you do when you really, really want to make amends, to redeem yourself? Well, if you drive in Formula One, there are several things. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Straits Times
Chelsea agree deal to sign Pedro from Brighton, British media report
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Brighton & Hove Albion v Leicester City - The American Express Community Stadium, Brighton, Britain - April 12, 2025 Brighton & Hove Albion's Joao Pedro celebrates scoring their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra/File Photo REUTERS Chelsea agree deal to sign Pedro from Brighton, British media report Chelsea have agreed a deal worth 60 million pounds ($82.27 million) to sign Brighton & Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro, British media outlets reported on Sunday. The BBC and Sky Sports reported Pedro was set to sign a seven-year contract. The 23-year-old Brazilian joined Brighton from Watford in 2023 and scored 30 goals and provided 10 assists in 70 appearances during his two-year spell at the club. Pedro could make his debut in Friday's Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras in Philadelphia. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
