After winning the SA Rugby Young Player of the Year award for 2022, Springboks winger Canan Moodie said he’s determined to improve certain aspects of his game this year as teams have figured him out.
The 20-year-old had a breakthrough season last year, becoming an important player for Bulls director of rugby Jake White in the United Rugby Championship and then grabbing his opportunity with the Boks, scoring a try on his debut against Australia in the Rugby Championship.
Moodie’s performances and impact from the last year saw him pip Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Jaden Hendrikse, Evan Roos and Henco van Wyk to the young player award. The Young Player of the Year gong is one that Moodie appreciates.
“I’m humbled to be chosen for this award with players like Sacha, Jaden, Evan and Henco also being the nominees, so it’s pretty special for me to top off the past season with this award,” said Moodie speaking to the media yesterday.
“It’s a massive honour and privilege for me to win this award, it’s a very prestigious award. Players like Eben [Etzebeth] have won it before; for me to have got this award has been very special. It also gives a note of the season I have had,” he said.
Last year, Moodie had the unknown factor plus the X-factor and teams did not know how to deal with him. However, a season in rugby is enough for teams to neutralise a player.
Moodie is expecting teams to pay more attention to him this season. To counter this, the outside back plans on improving aspects such as playing the high balls and attacks.
“Last year teams didn’t analyse me or I wasn’t seen as a threat, but now I think this season teams analysed a few of my plays, so now I have to be a bit sharper in my game,” said Moodie.
“The high balls, teams escort hard when I do go for the high balls and they are sharpening on their escorts and how they protect the catcher. That’s one aspect I have to improve, how to get the ball and get into that contest and be more effective.
“On attack as well, not just being on the outside but getting more involved with the ball and always being an option around the ball.”
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.