Andre Esterhuizen is coming on strong to face former club-mate Hugh Jones on Sunday when the Springbok center clashes with Scotland’s famous ‘back-row’ midfielder.
Esterhuizen is in contention to face Scotland for the first time in his Test career as the Springboks hope to start their November tour at Murrayfield with a bang.
If he is selected, the World Cup-winning center is likely to go all out against Scotland’s poor centre-pair of Jones and Sione Tuipulotu. They were effectively paired up against defending Vodacom URC champions Glasgow Warriors.
Esterhuizen, who called Jones a team-mate during his premiership-winning run at Harlequins, knows exactly what lies ahead.
“They are definitely a great center pair.” Esterhuizen said. “We have seen many games where they have broken down defenses on the international stage and in Glasgow.
“They are two great players. I played with Huw Jones for a few years at Harlequins so I know him very well. Tuipulotu is also a great player. He can deploy and operate and is also a hard carrier.
“It will be a good battle in midfield. We are really eager and looking forward to it.”
Esterhuizen said he was delighted to see Jones, a midfielder who suffered a career slump before joining Harlequins in 2021, back in the Scotland set-up.
“He joined the ‘Quins’ and was in a middle position,” said Esterhuizen. “He played really, really well. I know ‘Quins didn’t really want to let him go, but eventually it was time for him to go to Glasgow.
“He has established himself very well in the number 13 shirt at Glasgow and has earned his place back in Scotland. It’s much easier and cooler to play with someone who’s already in the setup, like pairing up with Tuipulotu. I also experienced it myself.
“Huw is playing great rugby. “He is a great player.”
Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images
