2025’s Unsung Boks #4: André Esterhuizen
by KickOff Rugby · KickOffIn this series of articles, KickOff reviews the rugby year that was, this time identifying the Springboks who made significant contributions to the season while still flying somewhat under the radar.
André Esterhuizen
Test Caps: 10 (3 starts, 7 as replacement)
André Esterhuizen made his Springbok debut in Rassie Erasmus’s first Test in charge against Wales in 2018, but had managed only 19 caps over his first seven years.
A role change in 2025 saw him accumulate 10 Test caps and five tries in a memorable campaign.
Speaking after his first appearance in the hybrid role as back and loose-forward cover on the bench against the Barbarians, he said, “Rassie obviously spoke to me about it, and we came to an agreement. I said I’d like to try it because it offers so much more options. I’ve been waiting for this conversation to come up for some time because it has been raised in the past.
“As one gets older, you learn how you can slot into different positions, and it helps to get into the team more constantly. One needs to learn to adapt as a player, so I’m looking forward to how it can work out.
“I’m definitely keen to learn and to slot into a bit of a hybrid role that can cover the forwards and backs,” he said.
Read more | 2025’s Unsung Boks #5: Kwagga Smith
“I think it will help me as a player personally, and it will help the team as well, so hopefully we will see more of that in the future.”
And the reaction was instantaneous, with Esterhuizen having an incredible season with his powerful running attributes, turnover capabilities and ability in the driving maul, making him look like a seasoned veteran and fully at ease amongst the forwards.
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Come back tomorrow when we’ll be counting down to number one on our list with the next selection.