Canan Moodie has fought his way back from injury and is keen to give a timely reminder of his ability in his first Test in Cape Town against the All Blacks on Saturday. DYLAN JACK reports.
Moodie will make his first Test appearance of the year after being named on the wing for the clash with the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium.
The speedster has been out for several months after fracturing his finger in June, which forced him to go under the knife and miss the series against Ireland, as well as the Rugby Championship openers.
Having worked his way back into full fitness and try-scoring form with the Vodacom Bulls in the Currie Cup, Moodie said he is eager to get back into international action.
“It’s been a tough couple of weeks and months with the injury I had. Once you aren’t here, you realise how special it is to be here, so you are desperate to get back into it,” Moodie said.
“The mental toughness to want to be back here, just pushing and doing all you can. Playing Currie Cup and trying to get match fit. I’ve been doing everything I can to get back.
“This weekend, I have the opportunity again. I’m very grateful to show what I can do again.”
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The 21-year-old has yet to lose a game in the green and gold and last faced the All Blacks in the record-breaking 35-7 victory at Twickenham.
Saturday’s match will be a homecoming for Paarl-raised Moodie, who will be playing a Test match in Cape Town for the first time in his career.
“It’s very special. I’ve tried to keep it on the down low for the week, but now the team is out, so I’m probably going to get some messages for tickets,” Moodie laughed.
“Growing up in Cape Town, these are the games that you think about. Running in the streets, thinking you are facing the All Blacks.
“This is just a very special opportunity to play this weekend. What a better place than Cape Town to do it.”
Photo: Adrian DENNIS / AFP
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