Andre Esterhuizen isn’t a fan of South Africans representing other nations, saying he’d rather have “18 caps for the Springboks than 70 caps for a different country”.
Esterhuizen’s unwavering Bok loyalty, even in the face of limited game time, underscores the World Cup-winning inside centre’s emotional connection many of his teammates feel toward representing their national team.
His comments come in the buildup to Sunday’s clash at Murrayfield between the Boks and Scotland, who are likely to field several SA-born players in their match-day 23, including Duhan van der Merwe, Pierre Schoeman and Dylan Richardson.
“I’d much rather have my 18 caps for the Springboks than 70 caps for a different country that I’m not actually born in,” Esterhuizen told reporters on Wednesday.
“Obviously, a lot of people have different views about that but, for me, I’m South African. I love this country and this team. I’m very content with where I’m at.”
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The 30-year-old midfielder acknowledged the competition for the Bok No 12 jersey, with the likes of Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am firmly established. But Esterhuizen remains driven to cement his place in the national set-up.
“I’m always striving to be better, to play more, to get into the squad more,” he said. “The competition between each other will drive each other to get better.”
When asked about South African players choosing to represent other nations, Esterhuizen struck a pragmatic tone, recognising the career opportunities it can present.
“It’s also easy for me to say it in hindsight. If I left earlier and that opportunity came I don’t know what I would have done, but at the moment where I am now I’m very happy with my 18 or 19 or 20 caps,” he explained.
“For them it’s a career decision. You also need to make money out of rugby. So, there’s two different sides to it.”
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
