GO, CANAN, GO!

The Bok rookie is humble about his dazzling debut in the green and gold

- MEGHAN LAWRENCE

THOUSANDS of pairs of eyes were focused on him as he strode onto the field in his green and gold jersey, silently thanking God for the opportunity to play the sport he loved.

It was the Springbok debut of the strapping 1,9m-tall wing and although he’s not the kind of guy who gets nervous, this time there was a definite fluttering of butterflies in his belly.

But the prayer the 19-year-old said that day was answered. Just a minute before halftime, Canan Moodie scored a sensational try, securing the Springboks’ second try – and victory – in the match.

The rookie soared to pluck a kick from Jaden Hendrikse out of the air before flying down the right touchline to score his first Test try.

Canan, who’s the second youngest player to represent the national side, had a dream debut. Making his triumph all the sweeter was the fact that his feat helped the Boks beat the Wallabies in Australia for the first time since 2013, ending a nine-year wait.

His name was on everyone’s lips and he became a hero overnight. But when YOU talks to him about 20 minutes after his dazzling debut performance, he downplays his achievements.

“God opened the way for me to score that try.

“I wanted to cry when I did, but then I realised the cameras are on me,” Canan says.

“From the moment I was selected, until I scored that try, I just kept thinking about how my parents and family feel.

“I’m doing it to make them proud because they sacrificed and did so much for me,” he adds.