Canan Moodie says the Springboks’ dramatic win over Italy was another reminder of the team’s identity and resilience, qualities he believes will be crucial again when South Africa face Ireland in Dublin this weekend.
Reflecting on a match that swung early after the Boks were reduced to 14 men, Moodie said the comeback spoke to the squad’s collective character.
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“It was a very important win. They had a good game last week, beating Australia, so we knew it was going to be a tough one. Obviously things didn’t go our way early on with the red card, but we just had to fight and bring out that South African-ness. We had to work for each other and just grind it out. Luckily we did that and got a good win.”
Moodie said the team’s ability to adapt on the fly despite disruptions, reshuffles and the pressure of playing short-handed – was a product of a deeply connected group.
“It’s special being part of this special group. Everyone is willing to forget about themselves, be selfless and work for the better of the team. Through adversity, we still made plans and got the win.”
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He also welcomed the chance to build a midfield understanding with rising star Ethan Hooker, even if their shared minutes were brief in Turin.
“I think we only played together as a centre pairing for ten minutes, but it’s a combination that we obviously hope to carry forward. We’ll see when the opportunity comes again.”
The win, Moodie added, was a timely answer to questions around a Bok matchday squad stacked with new combinations and less-used faces.
“People were asking a lot of questions about the team that had been put out, but that’s the trust the coaches have in us for guys who haven’t played a lot for the Springboks this year, to come out and just show fight and grit and get a good win. I think it’s all down to the coaches for trusting us to do a job on the field.”
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With Ireland up next in a blockbuster Test between two of the world’s form sides, Moodie said the Boks would take belief from back-to-back grind-out wins.
“We take a lot of confidence from the results so far. Two tight games we had to fight out and scoring tries in the last 20 minutes – we take a lot of confidence that we can play a full 80. We’ll wait and see what Ireland throw at us, but we’ll be well prepared.”
Canan + Grant + Manie =
Something tells me your brother did these magical goose steps to you in the street too, hey Keanu?
Amazing skill and acceleration, Canan Moodie!#ITAvRSA #Springboks #SSrugby@yungmood8pic.twitter.com/0GiIS3DFkA
— Sardieq (@SardieqWP) November 15, 2025
Photo: Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images
The post Moodie: Boks’ ‘South African-ness’ fueled the fightback appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
