Harlequins star reveals he broke his hand in warm-up, but played the full game

Rugby News
Sunday, 16 October 2022 at 13:30
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Harlequins and South Africa centre Andre Esterhuizen sustained the injury during the Springboks 13-12 defeat against Wales in Bloemfontein.
“It happened in the warm-up - but I played the full game,” revealed Esterhuizen, who was speaking to Telegraph Sport.
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"I just strapped it up and went on with it. I felt it a bit during the game but, yeah, I just pushed through.
“I knew it was broken before the game. My finger was just hanging and I couldn’t lift it. So I taped the two fingers together – and the hand, too.
“I got knocked with a tackle bag from the front as I passed the ball, but it just nicked my finger. Seven screws – which are still in there. They will stay there, probably forever. I was back training two weeks after the operation - but I’m ready to go now.”

JOE MARLER: DREAM TEAM

FRONT-ROW

1. Jason Leonard (England)
2. Rory Best (Ireland)
3. Carl Hayman (New Zealand)
Marler on Leonard: "My Idol - I still pinch myself when I'm in his company. A juggernaut on the pitch and a legendary drinker and socialiser off it."
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SECOND-ROW

4. Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
5. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
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BACK-ROW

6. Jerome Kaino (New Zealand)
7. Justin Tipuric (Wales)
8. Kieran Read (New Zealand)
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HALFBACKS

9. Will Genia (Australia)
10. Owen Farrell (England)
Marler on Farrell: "The only indispensable player is Farrell. He is to England what Cristiano Ronaldo is to Portugal, or what Steph Curry is to the Golden State Warriors. With his leadership, ability and drive, England are a different animal. Owen takes things by the scruff of the neck, just like his dad."
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Owen Farrell (c) of the Saracens during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bath Rugby and Saracens at the Recreation Ground on 17 Oct. Photo: Steve Haag/PPAUK

CENTRES:

12. Ma'a Nonu (New Zealand)
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
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BACK-THREE:

  • 11. Siteveni Sivivatu (New Zealand)
  • 14. Josua Tuisova (Fiji)
  • 15. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
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Try Celebrations for Stuart Hogg of Exeter Chiefs during the European Rugby Champions Cup Match between Exeter Chiefs and Montpellier at Sandy Park on 11 December 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
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