Canan Moodie admits it feels surreal that he will go to the World Cup and stresses that South Africa can take confidence from victory against Wales

Canan Moodie was just 16 when South Africa won the 2019 World Cup and he watched his country’s success in Japan while still at school.

Four years later, the rookie Springbok wing has the potential to be a star of the 2023 tournament in France as Jacques Nienaber’s side look to make it back-to-back titles.

Moodie, still only 20, was man of the match as he led Wales’ rookie defence a merry dance in South Africa’s 52-16 win in Cardiff on Saturday. Moodie ended with two tries.

‘I was 16 and still at school at the last World Cup. I watched the final at Boland Landbou High School – it’s a small school of just 350 boys outside Paarl,’ Moodie told MailSport.

‘It’s surreal being in this position now. If someone had said to me four years ago I’d be playing at Principality Stadium and going to the World Cup, I wouldn’t have believed them.

‘When the squad was announced, I remembered I used to admire these guys from afar. Now, I rub shoulders with them. Sometimes I get starstruck but I have a job to do when I get out there.

‘I know what 2019 did for the country as a young boy watching from home. I just want to contribute now, give back to the country, and make everyone proud.’

Moodie moved to four tries in just seven Tests for South Africa against Wales.

His head coach Nienaber urged his side to make ‘history’ after the Cardiff win with South Africa aiming to be only the second team to retain the World Cup and the first to win it four times.

‘I think we can take massive confidence from this. To put a record score on Wales, in Wales is not something that just happens. Our plans are working for the World Cup,’ Moodie said.

‘We’re obviously going to go for it. That’s the end goal.’

South Africa will finalise their World Cup preparations against New Zealand at Twickenham on Friday.

Moodie says that South Africa will take confidence from their victory against Wales

Jacques Nienaber’s side are looking to ensure that they can win back-to-back tournaments