The Springboks’ midfield future could be taking shape sooner than many expected as coach Rassie Erasmus named Ethan Hooker and Canan Moodie as the centres for Saturday’s Test against Italy in Turin.

They are two of 11 changes made by Erasmus from the team that humbled France in Paris last Saturday.

At just 22 years old, both players represent the next wave of Springbok talent, and in what could be a glimpse of the post-2027 World Cup midfield, Erasmus has decided to back them in their preferred positions.

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“If you ask Ethan what his favourite position is, he says 12. If you ask Canan, he’ll say Danie Gerber was his hero and he’s a 13,” said the Bok coach.

“Canan has done great things at 13 and we think he deserves a chance, and out of 20 matches I think he’s only lost once in the Springbok jersey. Ethan, we’ve played 13 and on the wing while his preferred position is 12. Those two centres are now playing in the positions they would very much like to play.”

While both players have caught the eye when they have been given game time this season, Erasmus was quick to say that Saturday’s clash won’t be a free ride.

“Their two centres are fantastic,” he said of Italy’s Juan Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello. “It won’t be easy for them [Hooker and Moodie] because Brex and Menoncello aren’t jokes.”

HOOKER: Italy will be a different monster

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