Ethan Hooker, the dynamic Springbok who’s been zipping across the field this year, is bracing for a beefed-up challenge as the Boks prepare to face Italy in Turin come Saturday. Typically seen darting down the wing, Hooker might just snag the No 12 jersey this time, with Canan Moodie covering his flank at 13. Though a wing warrior at heart, Hooker’s got a soft spot for the inside centre spot.
“I love being able to play multiple positions. It widens my game and I want to be as versatile as possible to give the coaches opportunities to play me wherever they feel I can make an impact. As long as I am on the field that’s all that matters,” Hooker expressed, eager to showcase his adaptability on the international stage.
“What’s special about this environment is how each and every single person is so eager to better themselves. No one is complacent regardless of how they are performing. Everyone is wanting to improve and get better every single day.”
Hooker, whose Test debut saw the Springboks shut out Italy 45-0 earlier in the year, isn't expecting the Azzurri to roll over this time around. Fresh from a victory against the Wallabies, Italy looks primed to put up a formidable front. “Italy are always a tough challenge. I’ve never played them here but I can imagine they are going to be a different monster,” Hooker noted, anticipating a clash where the Italians bring their A-game, both in physicality and strategy.
“They bring physicality with good playmakers. It’s going to be a serious challenge for our backline but it’s all about manning up and taking on whatever challenges come our way.”
Despite Italy’s current 10th spot in the World Rugby rankings, Hooker and his team are taking nothing for granted. “World rankings don’t really mean anything to us. It’s all about how a team pitches up, how they prepare in the week. We don’t look at where our opponents are ranked, we have to match their intent and be better if we want to come out of this match with a win,” he remarked, dismissing the numbers game in favor of real-time grit and performance on the field.
The Springboks are set to test their mettle against Italy, with expectations high for a game that promises to stretch each team to their limits. As Hooker and his teammates gear up, the rugby world watches with bated breath, ready for a showdown that could very well be a highlight of the season.
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Ethan Hooker, the dynamic Springbok who’s been zipping across the field this year, is bracing for a beefed-up challenge as the Boks prepare to face Italy in Turin come Saturday. Typically seen darting down the wing, Hooker might just snag the No 12 jersey this time, with Canan Moodie covering his flank at 13. Though a wing warrior at heart, Hooker’s got a soft spot for the inside centre spot.
“I love being able to play multiple positions. It widens my game and I want to be as versatile as possible to give the coaches opportunities to play me wherever they feel I can make an impact. As long as I am on the field that’s all that matters,” Hooker expressed, eager to showcase his adaptability on the international stage.
“What’s special about this environment is how each and every single person is so eager to better themselves. No one is complacent regardless of how they are performing. Everyone is wanting to improve and get better every single day.”
Hooker, whose Test debut saw the Springboks shut out Italy 45-0 earlier in the year, isn't expecting the Azzurri to roll over this time around. Fresh from a victory against the Wallabies, Italy looks primed to put up a formidable front. “Italy are always a tough challenge. I’ve never played them here but I can imagine they are going to be a different monster,” Hooker noted, anticipating a clash where the Italians bring their A-game, both in physicality and strategy.
“They bring physicality with good playmakers. It’s going to be a serious challenge for our backline but it’s all about manning up and taking on whatever challenges come our way.”
Despite Italy’s current 10th spot in the World Rugby rankings, Hooker and his team are taking nothing for granted. “World rankings don’t really mean anything to us. It’s all about how a team pitches up, how they prepare in the week. We don’t look at where our opponents are ranked, we have to match their intent and be better if we want to come out of this match with a win,” he remarked, dismissing the numbers game in favor of real-time grit and performance on the field.
The Springboks are set to test their mettle against Italy, with expectations high for a game that promises to stretch each team to their limits. As Hooker and his teammates gear up, the rugby world watches with bated breath, ready for a showdown that could very well be a highlight of the season.