Canan Moodie will turn just 22 early next month, and he will hopefully celebrate his birthday with the Springbok team ahead of the opening UK Test against Scotland at Murrayfield.
But while he obviously trotted out the line of being fine to play in any position, the Paarl-born three-quarter was confident enough to make it clear which spot he prefers when speaking to the media yesterday from Wales.
Moodie is in Cardiff, where the Bulls are preparing for tomorrow’s United Rugby Championship clash against the Ospreys in Swansea (8.35pm start).
It will be intriguing to see whether Bulls boss Jake White sticks with Moodie at outside centre or moves him back to wing, although the former Bok coach has supported the youngster’s continued growth in midfield.
“I played centre at school, so it’s obviously a position I love to play. I got a taste of it at the World Cup and a few games for the Springboks, so I’m fairly comfortable now playing at centre for the Bulls,” Moodie said.
“I just want to be the best player, where I can contribute. I think for me, centre is where I can do that.
“But I’m grateful for the opportunities to play, and I’ve learnt a lot from Jesse (Kriel) and Lukhanyo (Am), and all those guys who play centre at the Boks.
“In training, you see what these guys can do, and I am learning as much as I can. That has helped me to grow in that position, and hopefully I can do the same for the Bulls.”
At Boland Agricultural School, Moodie played mainly as a No 13, and that experience sparked his defensive prowess.
“At school, I wasn’t the biggest kid – I was a small, scrawny little centre! So, the guys were always coming at me and I had to toughen up and just make my hits,” he said.
“I think it comes from schooldays, not to back down and hit the big boys. It’s something I pride myself in, and defence is a pivotal role at centre.
“It’s very tough (switching between centre and wing), but I try to quiet down the external things – focusing on what I need to do on the field.
“That’s what’s helped me: doing the extras, doing what I need to do to make sure I’m prepared for Saturday.”
All smiles from Gumede, Nama & Aphiwe ahead of their first match on tour this weekend 🏆🔥 pic.twitter.com/wi34psDGGv
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) October 10, 2024
Moodie is likely to partner David Kriel in midfield tomorrow, with fellow Boks Willie le Roux and Kurt-Lee Arendse in a back-three with Sebastian de Klerk.
“It’s obviously tough switching from centre to wing – and then fullback and all those positions – but in the week, you prepare accordingly,” he said.
“So, whether I’m playing wing or centre, I always prepare and make sure I watch the clips I need to, and certain drills and work-ons I need to do in the week to be prepped for Saturday.
“I am young, so it doesn’t matter where I play. I’m very fortunate to get opportunities to play. But I’ve spoken to other guys, and a lot of players start off at wing – like Jaque Fourie. Lionel Mapoe at the Bulls also started at wing and went to centre.
“So, ag, I don’t mind, being in the early stages of my career, playing wherever. But in a later stage, you just want to stick to one position, and try to figure out that position – and make sure that’s your baby.
“But for now, I’m not too bothered about playing and being versatile. At fullback (where he has also featured for the Bulls), you kick a bit more than you would at centre or wing.”
