Andre Esterhuizen says missing out on the Springboks’ World Cup triumph four years ago adds to his motivation to make the most of every Test start and make the final cut for France 2023.
Esterhuizen is set to make just his 12th Test appearance when he starts against the Wallabies in the Rugby Championship opener at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The 29-year-old was in a similar situation in 2019, when he faced Australia at Ellis Park in the Boks’ first Test of the year, before starting in the warm-up match against Argentina in Pretoria.
However, he was unable to make the final squad that travelled to Japan and lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in Yokohama.
“I just missed 2019,” Esterhuizen said during a press conference. “Any player wants to represent his country in a World Cup tournament.
“This is my big motivation. But I also know you have to be grateful for every Test you play in, because it’s a great honour.”
After missing out on the 2019 World Cup, Esterhuizen joined Harlequins in 2020 and was an instant hit, helping the English side win the Premiership title in the 2020-21 season.
“I didn’t think it would be so important for my career. When I got there, I wondered at the beginning if it was the right decision,” he said.
“Playing in another team, which has such a big focus on attacking play, meant an incredible amount to my development.
“I think I am much better equipped these days and I also think differently about the game. Looking back, it’s the best decision I’ve made.”
Set to resume his old Sharks midfield partnership with Lukhanyo Am against Eddie Jones’ Wallabies, Esterhuizen is wary of the midfield challenge that the Australians will pose.
“Eddie knows how to motivate a team and that will fire them up,” Esterhuizen said.
“They have quite a few dangerous players in midfield in particular. Someone like [Waratahs centre] Izaia Perese is going to be a handful.
“We don’t know if Samu Kerevi will play, but regardless, they have great stopping power in the backline.”
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