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

(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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R
RedWarrior 43 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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