Esterhuizen looking forward to new centre partnership with Moodie

The match marks the Springboks' sixth and final Test of the year before they attempt to defend their world crown in France, and the hard-running Esterhuizen said they would give everything possible to secure a victory and enter the RWC with momentum.

The Springboks will kick off their 2023 World Cup campaign against Scotland on Sunday, 10 September, which will be followed by matches against Romania (17 September), Ireland (23 September) and Tonga (1 October) in the pool stages.

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber moved Moodie from the wing, where he played in his first seven Tests, to the midfield, where he will link up with the experienced Esterhuizen for the first time.

"Canan is an exciting player and he's shown it with how he can score tries with ball in hand," said Esterhuizen.

"He must just go out there and stay composed. I have no doubt we'll link up well together."

Esterhuizen was thrilled about the opportunity to earn his 14th Test cap against New Zealand and about his place in the Springboks' RWC squad: "I'm very excited to get more opportunities this year. I just want to give my best."

He was not intimidated by the competition for places in the midfield with Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Damian Willemse and possibly Moodie able to take up roles during the World Cup and said: "The competition for places is very healthy. Everyone wants to start every weekend, and no-one is complacent. When we put on the jersey we are playing for the team."

Of the epic encounter looming against the All Blacks, Esterhuizen was not concerned about the risk of showing too much against them before the international extravaganza.

"We won't hold back anything," said Esterhuizen.

"Every match is important for us, so we'll give everything we can on the field and do our best. There's a good chance we'll meet them in the World Cup quarter-final, so this is a good opportunity for us."

The Harlequins centre added: "To face them twice in the build-up to the World Cup is good for our build-up to the tournament, so we want to make the most of this match and opportunity on the field.

"We let ourselves down in Auckland, so as a team we have to ensure we give it all from the start.

"One can't always ask for a good start, but what we can do from our side is to approach the game with intensity and physicality from the outset."

The team will have Wednesday off to rest and recover before Friday's match and will complete their on-field preparations with their captain™s run on Thursday.

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