It’s a fitting milestone for a player who has embodied the characteristics that define the Springbok ethos. This Saturday’s clash against Argentina could see Etzebeth lead South Africa to their first Rugby Championship title while etching his name in the record books.
In his own class
Since his debut in 2012, Etzebeth has become a central figure in the Springbok pack, bringing an intimidating aura to every match. He stands at 6’8” and over 120kg, yet what makes him stand out is not just his size but his unparalleled work ethic and skill set. Jerry Flannery, the former Munster coach now part of the Bok set-up, noted that Etzebeth is “special” because he combines brute strength with a rare level of mobility and athleticism for a lock.
Not one to seek the limelight – thought it often finds him – teammates and opponents alike respect him for his toughness and leadership, and he has been pivotal in the Springboks’ many successes, including those consecutive Rugby World Cup triumphs.
It was going into the semi-final of the 2023 World Cup in France that another legendary Springbok second row (and therefore admittedly biased), Victor Matfield, told the Telegraph said of a match-up between Etzebeth and England’s own iconic forward, Maro Itoje: “Unfortunately, I can’t even mention them in the same breath. I just think Eben is way ahead. Maro is a very good player, but Eben really stands out. Maro has the athletic ability to get around like a blindside flanker, get over the ball for steals, the work-rate. But I think when it comes to physicality, really being dominant in a tight game with mauling and rucking, just running into a wall, I think Eben is in his own class.”
Fittingly, it is Matfield’s record that Etzebeth will take this weekend in Nelspruit.
Beyond the stats and accolades, Etzebeth has battled through injuries to return to the Springbok cause. His close friend and captain, Siya Kolisi, has spoken about how Etzebeth brings a unique drive to the team: “[For] us as a team the best way to show how special [Eben] is to us will be to win tomorrow. He doesn’t want this week to be about him, winning would mean so much more to him.”
Known for being a man of few words, his actions speak volumes. As Kolisi said, Etzebeth is the type of player who makes those around him want to fight even harder. When asked to take on more of a leadership role a few years ago, Etzebeth said: “I don’t give the Al Pacino speeches before the game, I just try to lead by example and try my best.”
His rise from youth to icon
Born into a sports-mad family, Etzebeth’s path to rugby greatness seemed inevitable. His younger brother, Ryen, took a different route, playing professional football, but Eben gravitated toward rugby from a young age, quickly establishing himself as a generational talent in South African schools rugby before breaking into the senior ranks.
Etzebeth’s early years in the sport were defined by his rapid rise through the Western Province system and his performances for the Stormers in Super Rugby. His early dominance in the lineout and his incredible physicality earned him a Springbok debut at just 20 years old. From that moment, it was clear South Africa had found its next great enforcer.
He went on to become one of the few players to achieve over 100 Test caps for the Springboks, joining the likes of Bryan Habana and Matfield. It’s fair to say his consistency and durability are unmatched in modern rugby.
As he prepares for what could be another historic Springbok moment, fans will also be thinking ahead to the upcoming Autumn Nations Series, when Etzebeth and co. will arrive in the UK for Test matches against Scotland, England and Wales.
Etzebeth’s story is still being written, but as he takes his place in the annals of South African rugby history, there is no doubt that his legacy as one of the sport’s true greats is already firmly established.
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