Rugby
Hooker geared for first Test start─── MORGAN PIEK 12:20 Tue, 09 Sep 2025
Springbok winger Ethan Hooker says he’s excited and ready ahead of his first start in the green-and-gold against New Zealand in Wellington this weekend.
Saturday’s Rugby Championship fourth-round clash is a must-win for South Africa if they want to keep their title defence alive. Hooker admitted he’s feeling a mix of nerves and excitement as he prepares for the challenge.
The Sharks speedster forms part of a new-look Springbok backline, as the team looks to bounce back from last week’s 24-17 defeat in Auckland. The only players to retain their places from that Test are Cheslin Kolbe and Canan Moodie, with Moodie shifting from wing to centre to make way for Hooker’s first start.
Cheslin Kolbe. Photo: Johan Orton
The 22-year-old, who has earned two Test caps off the bench, said there are mixed emotions, but he is ready for what awaits.
“There’s definitely nerves and excitement, especially with the significance of the match in the title race, so it’s a must-win game.”
Having faced the All Blacks for the first time last week, Hooker said the experience highlighted the step-up in intensity between club rugby and the international stage.
“After feeling the pace of the game, I realised the difference between playing Vodacom URC and international rugby. I’m just very keen to play this weekend.”
Hooker also spoke about the personal significance of the occasion. “I’ve never been to New Zealand before, so the jetlag was new to me.
“But I remember waking up early as a kid to watch the Boks play here with my dad, so running out at Eden Park last week was really special. Playing in New Zealand is a dream come true.”
Canan Moodie. Photo: SA Rugby
The young winger credited senior teammates like Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende for helping him and other newcomers stay composed.
“They’ve calmed us down a lot, and we’ve been learning from them. That gives us confidence going into this Test. We definitely won’t be playing with fear – our aim is simply to perform at our best.”
Kick-off at Wellington’s Sky Stadium (The Cake Tin) is at 9:05 on Saturday.
All Blacks - TBA
Springboks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Lood de Jager, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nché
Replacements – 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 André Esterhuizen
