Ethan Hooker has always been able to cover more than one position in the Springbok backline, but this Saturday in Wellington he’ll be stepping into uncharted waters, his very first start.
At just 22, the powerful centre-turned-wing admits the week has been a heady cocktail of nerves and excitement.
“It’s an awesome feeling,” he smiled, reflecting on the moment he learned he’d be running out against the All Blacks from the opening whistle.
“Playing last week made me realise the difference between the Vodacom URC and international rugby. The speed, the physicality, it’s another level. But I’m ready.”
Ethan Hooker: “We definitely won’t be playing with fear … our goal is to go out there and play as well as we can” 🫡#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold
— Springboks (@Springboks) September 9, 2025
Hooker’s rugby story carries echoes of childhood dreams.
The Durban-born back remembers rising before dawn to watch South Africa battle New Zealand alongside his father.
Now, the boy who once watched from the couch will be lacing up his boots on Kiwi soil.
“Coming here is a dream come true. I just want to make the most of the opportunity.”
He will slot into a youthful Bok backline handpicked by coach Rassie Erasmus to inject tempo and flair into the clash.
But Hooker insists they are not alone. With veterans Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende guiding them, he says the rookies feel settled.
“Those guys calm us down a lot.
“We’ve been learning from them, and that gives us confidence going into the match.”
As for the supposed pressure of filling in for more seasoned campaigners, Hooker shrugs it off like a missed tackle.
“Once you’re on the pitch, Test caps don’t matter. It’s just rugby … you do your job.”
After a narrow 24-17 defeat at Eden Park last week, the Boks know Saturday’s Rugby Championship showdown is a must-win. For Hooker, balancing the nerves with the thrill of the occasion will be key.
“The excitement comes from representing your country; the nerves come from the stage.
“It’s about keeping a calm head and finding that balance.”
South Africa’s young gun will find out soon enough if he can turn nervous energy into a performance that makes his Test debut as a starter one to remember.
Kick-off is at 09:05 (SA time), live on SuperSport.
