Andre Esterhuizen is champing at the bit to face off against former club teammate Huw Jones when the Springbok centre collides with Scotland’s famed ‘Huwipulotu’ midfield on Sunday.
Esterhuizen is contention to face Scotland for the first time in his Test career as the Springboks look to get their November tour off to a winning start at Murrayfield.
If he is picked, the World Cup-winning centre is likely to have his hands full against Scotland’s in-form centre pair of Jones and Sione Tuipulotu, who have also effectively paired up for defending Vodacom URC champions Glasgow Warriors.
Having once called Jones a teammate during his Premiership-winning stint with Harlequins, Esterhuizen knows exactly what could be coming his way.
“They are obviously a great centre pair,” Esterhuizen said. “We’ve watched many games of them tearing up defences in the international setup and for Glasgow.
“They are two great players. I played with Huw Jones for a couple of years at Harlequins so I know him quite well. Tuipulotu is also a great player. He can distribute, run it and he’s a hard carrier as well.
“It’s going to be a good battle in midfield. We are really keen for that and looking forward to it.”
Esterhuizen said that he is thrilled to see Jones earn a place back in Scotland’s setup after the midfield mastermind went through a career slump before joining Harlequins in 2021.
“He joined ‘Quins and was inbetween positions,” Esterhuizen said. “He played really, really well. I know ‘Quins didn’t actually want to let him go, but eventually it was time for him to go to Glasgow.
“He has settled in so nicely in the No 13 jersey for Glasgow and earned his place back with Scotland. It makes it so much easier and nicer – I’ve experienced it myself – when you play alongside someone who is already in the setup, like he pairs up with Tuipulotu.
“Huw’s been playing brilliant rugby. He is a great player.”
Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images
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