Scrum coach Daan Human believes the best is yet to come from Andre Esterhuizen, whose unconventional hybrid role has added another weapon to the Springbok arsenal.
Esterhuizen packed down in the scrum during South Africa’s emphatic win over the Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium last week – a cameo that showed just how far the World Cup-winning centre has come since Erasmus first floated the idea five months ago.
The world champions are now gearing up for Saturday’s clash with Italy at Loftus – the first of back-to-back Tests against the Azzurri in the Republic – and speaking in the buildup, Human praised Esterhuizen’s unique value in the squad while confirming plans to fine-tune the midfielder’s new duties.
“He’s become so vital for us,” Human told reporters on Monday. “He’s an important hybrid player because he’s as big, if not bigger, than some of our flankers. He’s definitely bigger than Kwagga Smith.
“It went very well for the first time in a Bok jersey,” he added. “He did the role for the Sharks a few years ago, but now he’s doing it at Test level. I think he can contribute, whether as a back or a forward.”
Head coach Rassie Erasmus has all but cornered the rugby market on innovation like the 6-2 and 7-1 bench combinations, and Human hints that Esterhuizen’s versatility could open the door to the explosive 8-0 split.
“Whether we go 8-0, 7-1, 6-2 or even 4-4, his evolution is helping us. When something like that helps the Boks, we’re happy with the decision,” he said.
Nicknamed ‘The Giant’, Esterhuizen has embraced the opportunity, describing it as a natural step in his development. Now, Human wants to take that evolution further – and the next stop could be the former Bok prop’s now famous boot camp in Bloemfontein.
“He hasn’t gone to the farm yet and the invite hasn’t come his way yet,” Human joked. “But we’ll make a plan for him soon. I still think he can develop his scrumming and mauling ability.”
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
