Moodie vows Springboks will response after stinging defeat against Australia

Springbok utility back Canan Moodie says the players are still hurting after Saturday’s heavy defeat against Australia at Ellis Park.

However, they have a clear plan of what they want to do in the second Test in Cape Town this weekend, and it’s now up to them to execute that to fix the errors from the Rugby Championship opener.

The world champions blew a 22-0 lead, eventually losing 38-22 as the Wallabies scored 38 unanswered points for an emphatic victory in Johannesburg.

Moodie is set to fulfil a starting role on the wing on Saturday at the DHL Stadium, with speedsters Kurt-Lee Arendse (knee) and Edwill van der Merwe (ankle) out injured. They join loose forwards Siya Kolisi (knee) and Pieter-Steph du Toit (concussion) on the sidelines for this clash.

According to Moodie, finding that balance and having that control in their game plan will be crucial in what could be a wet affair.

“We have to get it right this weekend,” Moodie said about striking equilibrium.

“The big thing is having control. The defence complimenting the attack and the attack working well with the kicking game. We must strike that balance, whatever comes, especially when it comes to the weather. We must be ready.

“Our main focus is to stack the positives and ensure we have a clear plan come Saturday and execute it.”

The 22-year-old lost his first Springbok Test this past weekend, but he is relishing the opportunity to help set things right. Moodie’s ability under the high kicks will be crucial, especially if the weather plays a role, but he is ready to make that step up.

He took to the field with 20 minutes to play in Johannesburg but didn’t have the impact he wanted to make when the team was under pressure from the Aussies.

“We received communication from the coaching staff on what we needed to do to try and swing the game around. I went on as a winger, and we needed to get our kicking game going. My focus was to make a positive influence, especially around the kicking game, to put pressure back on Australia.

“We didn’t manage to do that and were under the pump. It was very disappointing for us. However, we know what we must do to get it right (this weekend).”

The Springboks called up veteran winger Makazole Mapimpi on Monday to join the squad. Kolisi and Arendse, who are expected to be out for a few weeks, were released to continue their recovery.