Andre Esterhuizen delivered a surprising snub of Springbok teammate Handre Pollard when requested to call one of the best flyhalf he has performed with.
Pollard recovered within the nick of time to assist the Springboks defend their World Cup title in 2023, kicking at a 100% success price within the playoffs in opposition to France, England and New Zealand.
In 2019, Pollard was equally essential to South Africa profitable their first World Cup in 12 years, ending because the match’s prime factors scorer.
Nonetheless, in an interview with Planet Rugby, Esterhuizen, who has performed alongside Pollard at worldwide stage, and in opposition to him within the English Premiership, surprisingly named Harlequins teammate Marcus Smith as one of the best flyhalf he has been partnered with.
“You’re going to suppose I’m going to say Handre or Manie [Libbok],” Esterhuizen informed Planet Rugby.
“However personally, work-ethic clever, as a scholar of the sport and simply an unbelievable participant that may make one thing occur out of nothing, one of the best flyhalf I’ve performed with in my life is Marcus.
“Lots of people maybe don’t see it, however Marcus is level-headed. He’s a kind of guys that, though he is without doubt one of the finest on the earth, is all the time eager to be taught, to be higher.
“For me he’s undoubtedly one of the best participant, flyhalf, I’ve performed with – by way of what has suited me. I’ve acquired so much higher enjoying with and subsequent to him.”
Esterhuizen and Smith helped Harlequins win the Premiership title within the 2020-21 season, as each began within the remaining in opposition to Exeter Chiefs.
“Folks will suppose he tries stuff on his personal however the quantity of administration he has on the sphere, and what he needs to do for and with the workforce, is kind of exceptional,” Esterhuizen added.
“When one thing must occur and he must take one thing on his personal, he’ll undoubtedly ensure that one thing comes of it. He has the flexibility to do one thing magical, to create one thing out of nothing.”
Photograph: Steve Haag/Gallo Photographs
