Daan Human, the Springboks' scrum coach, is buzzing about Andre Esterhuizen’s latest rugby evolution, where he's morphing from center to a scrum-packing hybrid in the team. This fresh twist came into the spotlight after Esterhuizen’s stint in the scrum during South Africa's recent demolition of the Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium. Introduced just five months ago by Erasmus, this role is proving to be a game-changer for the Boks as they prep for their upcoming duel with Italy at Loftus.
Human, in his recent chat with the media, didn't hold back his enthusiasm for Esterhuizen’s new hybrid position. “He’s become so vital for us,” Human explained, noting the size and strength Esterhuizen brings to the table, even overshadowing some of the team's flankers. With a grin, he added,
"It went very well for the first time in a Bok jersey."
While Esterhuizen previously performed a similar role at club level with the Sharks, stepping up to do it in Test rugby is a whole other ball game.Not one to shy away from shaking things up, head coach Rassie Erasmus has been playing the mad scientist of rugby formations. Human hinted that Esterhuizen’s versatility might just be the key to unlocking an explosive 8-0 bench split. “Whether we go 8-0, 7-1, 6-2 or even 4-4, his evolution is helping us. When something like that helps the Boks, we’re happy with the decision,” Human said, plotting the potential for future game plans.
Esterhuizen himself has embraced his burgeoning role with gusto, seeing it as a natural progression in his career. But Human believes there's still room for growth. He joked about sending ‘The Giant’ to his infamous boot camp in Bloemfontein to finesse his scrumming and mauling skills. “He hasn’t gone to the farm yet and the invite hasn’t come his way yet,” Human quipped. “But we’ll make a plan for him soon.”
This innovative approach not only underscores the dynamic adaptability of the Springboks but also cements Esterhuizen’s role as a pivotal player in the ever-evolving game plan of the world champions. As they gear up for Italy, all eyes will be on how this giant of a player continues to redefine his impact on the field.