Andre Esterhuizen back on the Springboks' radar
- 1977
Andre Esterhuizen is back on the Springboks' radar according to reports in South Africa.
Esterhuizen has been in stellar form this season for Harlequins and claimed four back-to-back man of the match awards earlier this year.
The burly centre last featured for the Springboks ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, starting in the 24-19 RWC warm-up match against Argentina.
The 8-test centre was on the standby list for the World Cup but the Springbok management opted to call Damian Willemse to Japan instead after Jesse Kriel's injury.
However, according to Afrikaans newspaper 'Rapport', Esterhuizen is back on the Springbok radar having been invited to attend the Springbok overseas alignment camp.
The report adds that the 28-year-old has met with Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber.
It is believed that the Springboks will field a largely changed side against Wales in the third test if the World Champions claim victories in the first two tests. The likes of Andre Esterhuizen and other fringe stars would likely get their opportunity.
Andre Esterhuizen sitting down Saints 🪑#SaffasAbroad | @Harlequins 🃏 pic.twitter.com/WG9z11lLYG
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) April 30, 2022
Esterhuizen has featured in 27 of Harlequins' 28 matches across the Premiership and Champions Cup this season.
He has scored 10 tries and assisted a five while also knocking over four conversions. He scored his most recent try against Northampton Saints this past weekend.
💪 Andre cutting through. #COYQ pic.twitter.com/u31w090MtX
— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) May 1, 2022
In the Premiership, he ranks fourth for most running metres gained (1 678), fourth for carries (223), joint seventh for linebreaks (16), second for breakdown steals (14), and joint fifth for tackle-breaks (60).
He has also played more minutes in the League (1,714) than any other player.
