The Springboks rugby

The Springboks congratulate Canan Moodie after scoring his maiden Test try. Photo: Getty Images.

Canan Moodie: Schoolboy sensation to Springbok star

Watch this video compilation documenting the mercurial rise of Canan Moodie, who is said to have the potential to earn ‘100 Test caps’.

The Springboks rugby

The Springboks congratulate Canan Moodie after scoring his maiden Test try. Photo: Getty Images.

Watch this video compilation documenting the mercurial rise of superstar Canan Moodie, who is said to have the potential to earn ‘100 caps’ for the Boks.

Canan Moodie, who became the second youngest Springbok debutant in the professional era at 19 years old in South Africa’s second Test against the Wallabies in the Rugby Championship, had a memorable game and scored the Springboks’ second try on the stroke on half-time when he gathered a high ball in front of Marika Koroibete to run in for his maiden try in his debut Test.

ALSO READ: Moodie’s family shed tears of joy after dream Bok debut

It was a wonderful moment, which was celebrated wildly by his teammates on the sidelines, while a touching video has also emerged of his family in Paarl watching and celebrating the moment together.

But Moodie, by all accounts, seemed destined for greatness in the rugby sphere. Check out the highlights of his time at Boland Landbou when he rugby career was still in its infancy through to his developmental stage at SA Schools and the Junior Boks, before he ultimately made it big at the Bulls and later the Springboks.

WATCH THE INSPIRATIONAL STORY OF CANAN MOODIE’S MERCURIAL RISE BELOW:

Canan Moodie Springboks Test debut Photo Getty Images
Springbok Canan Moodie elated after his Test debut. Photo: Getty Images.

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber was understandably delighted with the performance of the 19-year-old Moodie, who became the second youngest Springbok to make his Test debut in the professional era, and also scored that scintillating try in his first outing in the green and gold.

“I am happy and proud for Canan – he’s been good for his franchise (the Bulls), and we’ve been following his performances for a while,” said Nienaber.

“He is the fourth or fifth wing we’ve played this year, and it is tough on teams, but at the same time it gives us answers with an eye on the Rugby World Cup.”

WATCH: Moodie’s family celebrates wildly after dream debut

His mother Chantel chatted to Cape Talk about the emotions in the household after her son’s memorable Test debut, and revealed what Moodie told them after phoning home after the game.

“Wow, it was mixed emotions, it was pride… me and his dad were standing next to each other and we were crying. I don’t know much about rugby but that try was excellent,” she said.

“He didn’t even talk much (when he phoned after the game). We just take the phone to everyone’s faces. He was all smiles, he was just proud that he could do this for his country, for the Springboks, and his family.

Moodie himself has also spoken about the special moment.

“I called them after the match and they were very excited. They all got together, friends and family, so they all enjoyed the game together and it was obviously special to score a try and that was very nice to see them happy and make them proud,” he added.

“To everyone [in the family] who has supported me, I just want to say thank you very much for everything they’ve done for me to get to this point, so it was very special to cap it [debut] off like this.”

Canan Moodie celebrates his maiden try for the Springboks against the Wallabies in the Rugby Championship 2022 Photo Getty Images
Canan Moodie celebrates after scoring his maiden try for the Springboks in the Rugby Championship. Photo: Getty Images.