It’s been a season to remember for young Springbok back Ethan Hooker, who continues to grow in confidence and maturity within a squad brimming with experience and unbridled talent.
Reflecting on his journey so far, he admits that being part of such a special group has elevated his game in every way.
Hooker is set to start when the Boks make many changes from the side that beat France last weekend when they face Italy at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
“I think I’m very privileged to be in the situation I am now,” said Hooker, who won the Rugby Championship with the Boks this year.
“Just being in this environment with such good players and quality coaches automatically lifts your standards. I try to take away as much as I can and build on every opportunity that comes my way.”
Having joined the Springbok setup this year, debuting as a substitute against this weekend’s opponents, Italy, in Nelson Mandela Bay in Gqeberha, he believes what makes this Bok environment truly unique is the relentless drive for improvement.
“Everyone is eager to better themselves. Nobody ever gets complacent with how they’re performing. The guys are always identifying what they can work on all the time.
Elaborating on what it would mean to him and how special the occasion could turn out if he is selected, the young utility back had this to say, “They are always a tough team – I’ve never played them at home, but I can imagine they’ll be a different monster at home.”
With the team yet to be announced, Hooker added, “The team is not finalised, but if I had to run on that field – I did make my debut against them – so it would be a very special game.”
When it comes to Italy’s attacking threats, he expects a stern examination of South Africa’s defensive systems.
Reflecting on Italy’s backline, and the threat they pose, Hooker was aware that the Springboks’ defence would be tested, “They do have very good backs. It will be a good test for our backline. We need to man up and front up, take whatever comes our way – we just need to do our best – sticking to our systems and performing as we’d like to.”
One of many utility players with the ability to play multiple positions, in the squad, the Westville-born player appeared happy to be played in any position when called upon, be it wing or center.
“I wouldn’t say there is a preference for me. I want to be as versatile as I can. Playing multiple positions widens my game, and I want to allow the coaches to play me where they feel fit.”
Italy head into the contest on a high after defeating Australia the previous week – 26-19, at the Blueenergy Stadium in Udine – a result that, Hooker admits, will give them plenty of belief.
“They will take huge confidence from that. Australia is a quality team, and beating them is going to give them huge amounts of confidence and energy. They’ll use the good things that came out of that game against us.”
Hooker was quick to dismiss any notion that the world rankings determined the winner before the whistle had even been blown, “I think world rankings don’t really mean anything. It’s all about how a team prepares during the week and performs. We don’t look at where they are positioned in the world. They have beaten us before, and they are another team that will give their best against us.”
Hooker mentioned he has an admiration for Italian Serie A powerhouses Juventus, whose Allianz Stadium will be the venue for this tremendous tussle on Saturday.
“I’ve never been there, but I am very excited. I have always liked Juventus as a team, so it’s exciting to play there.”
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!