Jake White backs Canan Moodie in centre shift

Blue Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White remains confident in Canan Moodie’s ability to excel at outside centre despite a few hiccups in his first outing in the position for the franchise.

The 21-year-old Springboks star, who has primarily played on the wing throughout his professional career, started at No.13 during the Bulls’ 31-10 bonus-point victory over the Dragons in Newport last weekend.

White acknowledged that Moodie made some defensive errors during the match but attributed them to the fact that it was his first time playing alongside inside centre Harold Vorster and his first appearance at centre in a long time. “He [Moodie] made a couple of wrong reads on defence and admits it,” White said. “He said he got caught in no man’s land a few times.”

CANAN MOODIE’S CENTRE EXPERIENCE: FROM SCHOOL DAYS TO THE SPRINBOKS

Despite the challenges faced in his debut at outside centre for the Bulls, Moodie has already showcased his potential in the position at the international level.

He started at No.13 in the Springboks’ record-breaking 35-7 win over the All Blacks in a World Cup warm-up match at Twickenham last year and followed it up with another impressive performance in the 76-0 thrashing of Romania at Stade de Bordeaux during the World Cup.

White also revealed that Moodie has a desire to play at centre and has experience in the position dating back to his school days. “He wants to play centre. He played centre at school, so I’m sure he will work hard on those mistakes,” White added.

JAKE WHITE ON THE ROAD AHEAD: LEINSTER CLASH

As the Bulls prepare to face Leinster in a top-of-the-table clash this Friday in Dublin, White remains optimistic about Moodie’s growth and development at outside centre. The young star’s willingness to learn from his mistakes and his previous success in the position at the international level suggest that he has the potential to become a formidable force in the No.13 jersey.

With Moodie’s raw talent, work ethic, and the guidance of Jake White and the Bulls coaching staff, fans can expect to see the Springbok sensation continue to refine his skills and make a significant impact at outside centre in the coming matches.