Tony Brown has highlighted how important Andre Esterhuizen is to the Springboks’ cause and how the impact of his utility value is boosting the world champions.

Despite playing most of their match against France in Paris at the weekend with 14 men – after Lood de Jager was red carded for foul play – the Springboks adapted almost immediately to that setback with Esterhuizen playing a big part in helping his side to beat Les Bleus at the Stade de France.

The 31-year-old, who usually plays as an inside centre, was on the world champions’ bench as a hybrid player and