Eben Etzebeth Downplays Focus on Approaching Springbok Caps Record
Eben Etzebeth has minimized the attention surrounding his impending milestone of equaling the record for the most Springbok caps as he prepares for a crucial Rugby Championship clash against Argentina on Saturday.
Kick-off is scheduled for 23:10 (SA time).
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A victory for the Springboks in Santiago del Estero, Argentina, could secure their second Rugby Championship title in 12 attempts, putting them on top of the southern hemisphere rankings.
Etzebeth to Start on the Bench
Etzebeth, who made his debut for the Springboks in 2012, is now 32 years old and will come off the bench on Saturday. If he plays, he will equal Victor Matfield’s record of 127 caps for the national team.
However, Etzebeth has downplayed the significance of the upcoming achievement, preferring to focus on the task at hand rather than his personal milestone. “I would prefer to discuss the record when it happens. I am uncomfortable talking about things before they occur,” said Etzebeth.
“If I match the great Victor Matfield’s record this weekend, and surpass it next weekend when we face Argentina in Mbombela, it will be fantastic. But for now, I’m focused on the team.”
“I understand there’s a lot of media attention about me back home, which makes it difficult to ignore the record entirely. However, my priority is keeping my feet on the ground and concentrating on beating the Pumas to win the Rugby Championship.”
“We’re about to face opponents who scored 67 points in their last game (against Australia), so it’s all about hard work and thorough preparation.”
‘Rugby is a Great Leveller’
Etzebeth added, “Rugby is a great leveller. The moment you think a record makes you special, you can quickly be brought back down to earth.”
South Africa currently leads the Rugby Championship standings with 18 points, eight ahead of Argentina. The Springboks need only three more points to guarantee first place. They have two opportunities to clinch the title, as they host the Pumas again on September 28.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus acknowledged the challenge ahead, admitting it will take a “massive effort” to beat Argentina, especially after their dominant nine-try performance against Australia two weeks ago.
South Africa has rested seven of the players who started in their 18-12 win over New Zealand, with scrumhalf Grant Williams also withdrawing due to injury.
In other team changes, Etzebeth moves to the bench, while Siya Kolisi, who delayed surgery for a fractured nose, will observe the match from the coaches’ box in South America.
Erasmus dismissed rumors that Kolisi had joined the coaching staff, stating, “Siya is not a coach. He’s here to observe and understand how decisions are made during a Test match and how messages are communicated to the players on the field.”
Argentina Makes Forward Changes
Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi has made three changes to the forward pack that started against Australia. Franco Molina and Pedro Rubiolo replace Guido Petti and Tomás Lavanini as the starting locks, while No. 8 Joaquín Oviedo comes in for Juan Martín González, who moves to the bench.
“This is going to be a great match. We had incredible support against Australia, and I’m sure we’ll see the same against the world champions,” said Contepomi.
