Moodie & Hooker

As Moz pointed out, if it wasn't already settled, yesterday drew a line under the 13 debate.

Moodie is our guy. He doesn't seem to have a weak element to his game. On a good few occasions over the last few seasons he has shown excellent hands and his try yesterday was just one more example. Falling on a bouncing ball after navigating two tumbling Sharks defenders, he caught it cleanly and dotted down. How many times have we seen the ball knocked on or dropped in moments like that? And then there is his tackling game. I've been pointing this out for a while but he's turning into a bone crunching tackler. That hit on JJ being yet another example. In terms of a rush defence, having a 13 that hits like that is only a plus. Particularly because by the time the ball gets to the opposition the defence has close the gap and Moodie gets the opportunity to make those kids of hits.

Then there is Hooker, who I still think could make an excellent 15. He and Moodie are so similar in so many ways. Big tacklers, great in the air, excellent hands, great finishers. Like brothers from other mothers.

But the one thing that stands out for me, their biggest similarity and the thing that only some people notice the value of, is their composure. Both of them already look like 100 cap Boks. Perhaps I'm over stating the value of it, but when you have two guys of that skill level, power, who work that hard, and then you add that level of composure to the mix, one can almost not help extracting exaggerated positives. Most teams are happy if they can find just one back like that...and we have two, and they're both still babies.

Good times boys

Very good piece.

agree on moodie.

he just made a few silly mistakes in the Bok jersey last year, but there is no doubt that he is the real deal. Jake also reckoned he’d become a 100 kappir.

as for Ethan… he’ll also get his fair share of Bok caps.

it will be interesting to see in a couple of years when Muller and Adams have had a f re seasons of top rugby behind their name, what the pecking order will be.

then there is also Julius who is still only 21.

crazy times.

Moodie has to be the #1 choice now. It's high time we move past Jesse Kriel. Hooker for me too is shaping up as a better back 3 option than midfield. He didn't look comfortable at 13. Then again, who looks comfortable in that Sharks backline except Andre and maybe Edwill.

For me, as it stands, once Andre the legend retires, it's Hooker and Willemse for 12 and 15. Which way round I dunno. I'd love for Hooker to be tested at 15 but I don't like the idea of Willemse at 12.

Luxury problems, I suppose.

I'm seriously holding thumbs for Quan to get a cap against the ABs this year. That homie's brain was built for test rugby. If it wasn't already obvious, I'm becoming a moerse fan.

I still have some doubts about the playmaking ability of AE at 12. Raw power is a nice attribute but you dont run over people at test level. especially when you are a marked man.

FFS HasBeen what the blue blazes has Dud Allende done for 12 years except try, with limited success, to run over people. Esterhozen adds leadership great hands and an educated boot, and about 50 IQ points. And he even runs over people better than Dud

Plum... and just like that you have become my best friend replacement for David.

I totally love Quan. Went to the game yesterday... he stuck out like a sore thumb. His running lines are impeccible. His kicking out of hand rarely fails. He also seems to communicate very well (from what i could see sitting 50m away). He is continually gestirung to the backline givign them ideas, thunbs up etc... a little Willie like!

Anyway. Please keep saying normal, contentious things. I love being able to converse with chaps on here that dont type just for attention... like D Man and Mozart...

lol Chippo

Now you just need to join the AE Legends Club with Moz, Pakie and myself, and hold thumbs with us that he runs over people in the WC final in 27!

Man, that's a bit of rugby justice I would love to see!

Neither is up to standard and we need a top class 13. Is Muller the one to consider? The latter will move up the ladder quickly.

In teh circumstances dead head Esterhuizen also had an atrocious performance on Saturday - totally outplayed by Vorster.

Neither is up to standard?

Why Mike? Do you want them to be able to scrum at hooker and kick like Sacha as well?

Neither is up to standard and we need a top class 13. Is Muller the one to consider?

Moodie is not up to standard? So let's consider a rookie who has proven nothing yet?

Absolute pearlers ou Maaik, as ever.

Pakie don't be silly.

Mike just wants a 13 that can tackle, kick, run, scrum and pass, massage, diagnose and miss-carry all at once.

The AE legends club includes Moffie and not me?

LMAO!

How times have changed . . .

Rassie needs to roll the dice this season. We can have an awesome backline.

Rooi

All are welcome in the AE Legends Club.

...besides, Mike.

He may never ever join.

ButtPlug, I think you're missing the point I'm trying to make.

I was supporting AE as a player when Moffie was still telling us how useless he was and how he had the pace of a snail.

I just find it a bit strange that Moffie is elevated to one of AE's biggest fans while I don't crack a mention . . . despite what was or wasn't said in the past.

I was very early on the AE bandwagon, from the very beginning. The same cannot be said for some of the other names in your AE Legends Club . . . even yourself. I recall a time when I was almost a lone voice. Maybe Pakie too, I can't remember that far back . . . but certainly I don't recall a lot of support from you or Moffie or anyone else.

When AE payed for the Sharks under Jake, Ou Maaik was an avid supporter of same AE, while Moz called him a snail...how things have changed...as for myself, I always liked him as a player and am glad that he's involved with the Bokke ...at the same time I still see a lot of value in DdA and would prefer it if both are starting regularly for the Bokke...none of the younger generation, except for DW looks close to being test 12s. ...probably the one position where we don't have all that much depth.

Rooi, I don't recall you supporting AE that much.

That's not to say you didn't, just that I don't read every post on here.

But if you did support him that early on, and I have no reason to believe that you didn't, good job.

Your entry into the AE Legends Club is therefore automatic.