Danny Care has hailed André Esterhuizen as one of the best players he has ever played with ahead of the Springbok’s first Test as captain.
Esterhuizen will lead the Boks against the Wallabies in Perth on Sunday, bringing another chapter to a remarkable rise that has seen him become a key component of Rassie Erasmus’ side.
The former England scrumhalf played alongside the powerful centre at Quins, and says Esterhuizen’s quality was evident from their first game together.
“It is rare you get to play with someone, especially in a club team, that is that good,” Care told PlanetRugby.
“I’d played with big lads before, but I hadn’t played with lads that massive wanting to run people over.”
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Care believes Esterhuizen’s ability has gone well beyond his imposing physical presence, with his versatility as the Boks’ first hybrid player, now making him a unique weapon for the Springboks.
“I always thought there had to be a place for him somewhere in the South Africa team because he’s easily in the top three of best players I played with. You don’t realise the brilliance of the man until you play with him and see what he can do to people, the damage he can cause. And the impact that has on your team.”
Esterhuizen’s power became a defining feature of his time at Quins, where Care recalls opponents struggling to contain him.
“There was a year or two in the Prem where people couldn’t tackle him, people literally couldn’t defend him,” he said.
“From our first game together, I thought: This guy’s proper. It’s frightening how good he has become.”
Photo: Floris van Schouwenburg/Gallo Images
