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.
Bu hikaye YOU South Africa dergisinin 22 September 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye YOU South Africa dergisinin 22 September 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
HOW TO BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST
With more and more of us struggling with our mental health, here's a common-sense guide to coping with life's ups and downs
SPUD: THE MAGIC CONTINUES
John van de Ruit tells us why he decided to write a sequel - and shares how his first book helped him find enduring love
SEX CONTRACT GONE WRONG
A Cape Town couple have been charged with using a young woman as a sex slave-but some say she lost the job she signed up for and now has a grudge against them
LIAM LAID TO REST
More than a month after One Direction singer LIAM PAYNE (31) tragically fell to his death from a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his loved ones finally got to say their goodbyes.
SHILOH HANGS OUT
THE two young women look like any pair of good friends chatting and laughing as they leave their dance class in Los Angeles.
LEO IN LOVE
He's just turned 50 and it seems Leonardo DiCaprio may finally be ready to settle down
PACKING A PUNCH
Irish actor Paul Mescal beefed up for his role in the blockbuster epic Gladiator II - and fans are loving it
I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE A LOVE CHILD
As the illegitimate daughter of the king, she fought to be recognised as part of Belgium's royal family, but Princess Delphine says she still feels unwelcome
'I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES'
A bite from a spitting cobra 13 years ago nearly killed her but Mikayla survived - and she's made peace with her scars
THE CLAWS ARE OUT!
Things have grown frosty between the Beckhams and the Sussexes as Becks comes out in clear support of William