The enthusiastic back, who is equally comfortable at wing and centre, will earn his third Test cap in the match, and while he admitted that there was a mixture of nerves and excitement ahead of the game, his focus was solely on doing the job to the best of his ability.
Commenting on earning his first Test start after coming off the replacements bench last week, the 22-year-old described it as “an awesome feeling”.
“After playing last week and feeling the intensity of the game, it made me realise the difference between playing Vodacom URC and international rugby, so I’m just very keen to play this weekend,” said Hooker.
“I’ve never been to New Zealand before, so the jetlag was something new for me, but I remember waking up early to watch matches between the sides with my father, so driving to Eden Park last week was very special.
“Coming to New Zealand and playing here is obviously a dream come true, and I just want to go out there and make the most of the opportunity.”
With Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus opting for a fast and exciting young backline for the clash, Hooker said the players were relishing the opportunity, and he gave credit to the experienced heads such as Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende for their role in getting the players ready for the match.
“We are privileged to have guys like Jesse and Damian in the squad – they’ve calmed us down a lot,” Hooker said.
“We’ve been training with them for a few months now, and learning from them in the process, which will give us confidence going onto the pitch.
“We definitely won’t be playing with fear, as some people think. Our goal is to go out there and play as well as we can, just as any other player would.”
Asked how the backline has been gelling at training, and what their expectations are going into the game, he said: “The combinations are working really well at training, and in general, the guys are not feeling pressure, which is a positive that we can take into this weekend.”
Hooker shot down suggestions that opting for younger players rather than the vastly experienced players for this match placed extra pressure on the players.
“I wouldn’t say it puts pressure on us,” he said. “It’s a game of rugby, and I’ve been playing since I was 10 years old. Also, once you get on the pitch, Test caps become irrelevant. As a player, you have to focus on your job and do it to the best of your ability.”
With the Springboks suffering a 24-17 defeat against Eden Park last week, however, he admitted that this was a vital clash for the team to get their Castle Lager Rugby Championship campaign back on track.
“There’s definitely nerves and excitement, especially with the significance of the match in the title race, so it’s a must-win game,” said Hooker.
“The excitement comes from being on the pitch and being able to represent your country, and the nerves come from the stage you are playing on. So it’s important to find the balance between those two on the day, so that you don’t get too nervous or excited, and keep a calm head going into the game.”
The match kicks off at 09h05 (SA time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.