Moodie: Magical try was ‘cherry on top’ of Bok debut

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Canan Moodie expressed his delight at being able to mark his Test debut with a try to help the Springboks claim a historic win over the Wallabies in Sydney. DYLAN JACK reports.

Still only 19 years old, Moodie showed his ease on the Test scene with an assured debut performance marked by an excellent try towards the end of the first half.

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“It was very special. Just putting on the jersey is already special enough. Having the opportunity to score a try was even more special,” Moodie said after the game. “I am just happy that I was able to contribute to the team.

“I was just happy that I was able to contribute to the team and add a few points. That was obviously a very emotional moment for me, getting swarmed by the bench. It was very, very special. I quite enjoyed that. Scoring the try was the cherry on top for me.”

WATCH: Moodie’s magical Test try on debut

A video of Moodie’s family celebrating his try went viral on social media and the rookie shared some words of gratitude for everyone who has helped him get to this point in his career.

“I called them after the game. They were very, very excited. Everybody got together, all my friends and family. They all enjoyed the game together. It was very special to see them so happy and to make everybody who supported me proud. I just want to thank them for everything they have done for me.”

Bok coach Jacques Nienaber said he was pleased with Moodie’s performance and on the whole happy with the depth in his squad, having used 32 players to this point.

“I am very happy and proud of him,” said Nienaber. “He has been very good for the Bulls in the URC. We have been following him for quite some time.

“He is the fifth or sixth right wing that we’ve played this year. In the past four games in the Rugby Championship, we have used 32 players. There are certain answers we want this year and Canan was one of them. Kurt-Lee Arendse was another once.

“While trying to be competitive in the Rugby Championship, we have also needed to get answers over certain positions, going into the World Cup. I am very proud of Canan and a couple of other guys who got an opportunity.”

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Photo: Twitter/@Springboks

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