Ethan Hooker looking forward to ‘homecoming’ against Italy
Ethan Hooker is set to be unleashed in the Springbok midfield against Italy in Turin on Saturday.
Rising Springbok utility talent Ethan Hooker is looking forward to another chance to show what he can do when the world champions take on Italy in their end-of-year-tour clash in Turin on Saturday.
It has been a breakout year for the 22-year-old Hooker, who only made his Bok debut in July, but has fast become a rising talent in the team, and played starring roles in games against the All Blacks and Argentina during the Rugby Championship.
The Bok team to face the Italians hasn’t been named yet, but Hooker is likely to be in the starting side, as he was made available for media duties on Tuesday, and admitted it would feel like a homecoming if picked, as his first international came against Italy.
“Italy are always a tough team. I have never played them in Italy and I can only imagine that at home they would be a different monster,” said an excited Hooker.
“The team isn’t finalised yet but if I had to run out on the field this weekend it would be very special. I made my debut against them (Italy in Gqeberha in July), so it would almost be like a homecoming in a way.
“They have very good backs. They are nice and physical and good play makers. I think it is going to be a very good test for our backline. Just to man up, front up, and take whatever comes our way. We have to do our best, tick the boxes in our system and perform as we’d like to.”
Bok system
Being part of the Bok system at such a young age and having played five internationals already is doing wonders for Hooker, with him explaining that it was turning him into a better player.
“I am very privileged to be in the situation I am now, and I think just being in an environment like this, with such good players and quality coaches, it automatically ups your game. I just try and take away as much as I can every single day and build on myself,” said Hooker.
“What’s so special about this environment is how everyone is so eager to always better themselves. No one ever gets complacent with how they are performing. There are always work-ons and guys identifying what they can work on, and everyone just wants to be better all the time.
Hooker could be set to lineup at inside centre for the Boks for the first time, having played on the wing in all his previous internationals, but for his franchise, the Sharks, he has played centre, wing and fullback, and he was asked if he has a preference on where he plays.
“I wouldn’t say there is a preference for me, I love being able to play in multiple positions. I think it widens my game and I want to be as versatile as I can, to give the coaches the opportunity to play me wherever they feel is best. As long as I’m on the field that’s what matters,” said Hooker.