Eben Etzebeth Poised for Another Major Milestone in Rugby Championship Decider Against Argentina
Eben Etzebeth is set to add another remarkable chapter to his illustrious rugby career as he takes the field for the Springboks in their Rugby Championship title decider against Argentina on Saturday, 28 September, at the Mbombela Stadium.
The towering lock will become South Africa’s most-capped rugby Test player, making his 128th appearance and surpassing former Springbok great Victor Matfield, who retired in 2015.
At 32 years old, Etzebeth will aim to cap his record-breaking day by lifting the Rugby Championship trophy. South Africa needs to either win or secure at least one point to clinch the title, while Argentina must win with a bonus point and deny the Springboks any points to claim the championship.
Etzebeth already boasts an impressive résumé, having been part of two Rugby World Cup-winning squads—Japan 2019 and France 2023—and a series victory over the British and Irish Lions in 2021. He was also part of the team that won the shortened Rugby Championship in 2019, but South Africa has yet to win the title in a full six-match format since Argentina joined the tournament in 2012.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus emphasized the significance of Saturday’s game, stating, “We want to make this a special day for Eben. Winning the title and finishing the competition with a victory would be a massive occasion for the team and for Eben personally.”
Victor Matfield, Etzebeth’s predecessor, was full of praise for the 2.03m, 122kg powerhouse, emphasizing his “athleticism, physicality, and leadership qualities.” Matfield added, “I truly believe he’s the right-hand man for Siya Kolisi. In crucial moments, especially under pressure, Eben is the one leading the charge, not just vocally but by setting the example.”
A ‘Rock of the Pack’
Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett compared Etzebeth to the legendary lock pairing of Matfield and Bakkies Botha, stating that Etzebeth combines the best of both. “He’s got Victor’s athleticism, ball skills, and game sense, along with Bakkies’ physicality in the carries and lineouts. Defensively, he’s a nightmare for opponents. He has been the rock of the pack since day one.”
Etzebeth first gained attention in 2011, starring for the University of Cape Town in a Varsity Cup final. That same year, he played for South Africa’s under-20 team, and just a year later, at the age of 20, he made his Springbok debut against England in June 2012.
Born and raised in the tough northern suburbs of Cape Town, Etzebeth comes from a family with a strong sporting pedigree. His father, Harry, was a wrestler, while his uncle, Cliffie, was both a Springbok wrestler and a hard-nosed prop for Western Province during the 1970s and 1980s.
Although now known as one of the most imposing figures in international rugby, Etzebeth spent much of his school years playing as a back before a 20-centimeter growth spurt at age 16 prompted his shift to the forward pack.
Today, Etzebeth is firmly established as one of world rugby’s biggest stars—literally and figuratively. This season, he has played a crucial role for the Springboks, stepping up alongside newcomer Ruan Nortje in the absence of several key locks, including World Cup winners Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, Jean Kleyn, and RG Snyman.
Opta statistics show that Etzebeth and Nortje have dominated the lineouts during this year’s Rugby Championship, leading the competition with 31 and 24 line-out wins, respectively.
As Etzebeth prepares to break yet another record, his leadership and form will be critical in the Springboks’ quest to claim the Rugby Championship title.
