All Blacks v Springboks
Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 6 September
Eden Park, Auckland
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
Canan Moodie had perhaps the most unique introduction to playing the All Blacks, when he ran out on Twickenham two years ago. After a lifetime of learning that the fixture was the biggest moment in a South African player's career, Moodie admitted he walked off the field somewhat perplexed after the Springboks had handed the All Blacks a record 35-7 loss.
"That was a special game and not just for me. I think, for everyone that was involved…it's not every day you get to put a score like that on the All Blacks," said the 22-year-old utility back, who would have made the damage even heavier that day as he had a try disallowed by the TMO.
"I think that (result) came all down to everyone in the group, the coaches did a great job in analysing them and putting us at the right places. We can mimic that on Saturday. But yeah, it was it was very special."
Canan Moodie. Photo: ActionPress
Fast forward to this week. In typical test rugby fashion both teams have been keen to downplay the significance of this weekend's test, despite the clear cut case for it being the most anticipated match since the last World Cup. Which is understandable, with Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus pointing out that it would be somewhat disrespectful to the other test sides that have beaten both his and Scott Robertson's All Blacks in recent times.
However, there is one aspect of playing the All Blacks that the Springboks will not shy away from. Moodie was open and honest about how it felt to face the haka, which he has now done twice.
"I think it was a surreal moment. You know, you've basically done every sacrifice in rugby your career to get to that point," he said, proving that the old South African adage that 'you're not a real Springbok until you've played the All Blacks' still rings very true.
"I mean, playing the All Blacks is the ultimate test. And now you stand in front of the haka ready for battle."
The battle may well be fought predominantly in the air, with Moodie's 1.91 metre stature potentially being a key factor. Both Erasmus and Robertson have more or less admitted that it will be a kick-heavy test match, and Moodie while acknowledged the tactical success Argentina had in their recent win over the All Blacks, he said it will take more than just bombs to triumph at Eden Park.
"Obviously Argentina got a lot of reward and the won they game. I wouldn't say they won that because of that but it definitely helped them. I think obviously both teams know that's coming, a couple of years ago (when the All Blacks won 35-20 at Mt Smart) they did the same to us. We know the battle aerially is going to be very important. We're well prepped for that, we've done our analysis on that. So yeah, we'll be ready for it."
In a nice bit of symmetry, Moodie finds himself in more or less the same selection conversation as freshly recalled All Black Leicester Fainga'anuku. Both are capable of playing centre and wing or providing excellent cover from the bench. While Fainga'anuku has been playing in France, Moodie has missed a great deal of selection opportunities due to injury, but both are now very much in line to go head to head this Saturday night.
"You learn from it more, being tough at times, struggling and having a lot of diversity, trying to figure out what works for you," said Moodie when asked about his injuries.
"I think that's been important for me, you know, figuring out what works for me. It's not always been smooth sailing."
Both sides name their sides on Thursday, with the All Blacks due at 12:30pm and the Springboks at 6pm.
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