I just have to pick myself up and keep going, says frustrated rising star Canan Moodie

Canan Moodie on his way to scoring a try during the Boks' Rugby World Cup 2023 warm-up match against Wales at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on 19 August 2023. (Photo: Juan Jose Gasparini / Gallo Images)

By Yanga Sibembe

21 Jul 2024

It’s been more than a month since Bulls and Springboks rising star Canan Moodie was injured in a United Rugby Championship match. In that period, he has missed a number of matches he might have been pivotal in influencing.

After playing out to a win and a loss in their first two matches since securing a historic fourth Rugby World Cup in France just under a year ago – the Springboks are once again back in action. This time they are set to face Portugal for the first time ever in a Test.

Bok coach Rassie Erasmus has opted to rest a number of his stalwarts for the historic match against the rising Europeans. In their place, a number of young stars will aim to impress South Africa’s technical team and provide them with the best kind of headache in future – a selection one.

The likes of Phepsi Buthelezi, Aphelele Fassi and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will be out to impress in Bloemfontein on Saturday. One player who would have undoubtedly been part of this match, if he was fit, is Canan Moodie.

On the mend

The Bulls utility back is still on the mend after suffering a broken finger during a United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against the Sharks in early June. He underwent surgery and was forced to miss the rest of Bulls’ charge to the final – where they were defeated 21-16 by the Glasgow Warriors.

Moodie says it’s been a disappointing time on the sidelines, especially as the rest of his 1.9m frame is in peak condition.

“It’s been frustrating to be out because of a finger. It’s been tough. Not being able to do anything, including exercising properly. Or going out and playing rugby; catching a rugby ball,” Moodie said recently.

“It’s been more frustrating because I’ve missed some games that I really wanted to play in. Especially with the Bulls making it to the final (of the URC). Then of course, the Springboks vs Ireland series,” the 21-year-old stated.

“But I can only control what I can control. Which includes focusing on getting better. When you’re part of a team, the goal is to win trophies. And as a player, you want to play in those big games. It’s so frustrating when something as little as a finger keeps you out of those big games,” Moodie said on missing out of the Bulls’ knockout games in the URC.

“So, I was really gutted to not be playing in the quarters, the semis and obviously the final – with a sold-out crowd at Loftus. Those are the types of games you work all season for. But I just have to pick myself up and keep going.”

The Paarl native – who is a product of Boland Landbou High – has sprinted up the Bok ranks since making a try-scoring international debut against Australia in 2022.

Quality

Moodie massively emphasised his quality even more when he wore the No 13 jersey for the Boks as they clashed with old rivals New Zealand at Twickenham in August 2023.

Having played most of his senior rugby on the wing, Moodie – playing as a centre – was magical on an unforgettable night for rugby as the Springboks subjected the All Blacks to their heaviest defeat in history.

Read more: Moerat captaincy call highlights Boks’ shift towards younger leadership generation

The South Africans walked away as 35-7 victors on that memorable night. Moodie increased his stocks and would ultimately form part of the Springbok team that made history in France at the 2023 World Cup.

His rapid rise came as a surprise to some. In his early high school years he was considered average. In his final year as a secondary school pupil, he did not play much rugby due to Covid-19 halting almost all activity.

Yet he was still good enough to make it into the Bulls’ academy after finishing school, where he honed his skills and eventually broke into the first team. He is now an integral part of the Tshwane-based side whether he is on the wing, in the centre or fullback.

With South Africa constantly producing outstanding rugby players, the latest on that long list is Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

The Stormers’ starlet made his Springbok debut in June 2024 against Wales; a match South Africa clinched 41-13.

In the tie, Feinberg-Mngomezulu came on as substitute and comfortably converted a penalty from over 50m out. He added two conversions to his impressive debut.

Moodie said that he was happy to see another face grab the opportunity to wear the green and gold shirt. But also had words of wisdom for the fledgling flyhalf.

“It’s all new now. You’re more out in the public now. So, my word to him is for him to just be himself. Don’t change your ways, keep doing what you’ve been doing – what got you there. All the people he had around him before this? He must keep them around,” Moodie stated. DM

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On the mend

Quality