Record-breaking Springbok Eben Etzebeth seeks another major trophy

Eben Etzebeth aims to add another significant milestone to his illustrious career as he prepares to represent the Springboks in the decisive Rugby Championship match against Argentina at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

The formidable forward is set to become South Africa's most-capped rugby Test player, marking his 128th appearance and surpassing the record previously held by fellow lock Victor Matfield, who retired in 2015.

Etzebeth aspires to conclude this record-setting day by lifting the Rugby Championship trophy, which South Africa will secure unless Argentina manages to win with a bonus point while denying the Springboks any points.

He has already been part of two Rugby World Cup-winning squads—one in 2019 in Japan and another in 2023 in France—and contributed to a victorious campaign against the British and Irish Lions in 2021.

Although he was part of a team that won a shortened Rugby Championship in 2019, South Africa has yet to triumph in a full six-match series since the tournament expanded to include Argentina in 2012.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus expressed the team's desire to make Saturday's match a memorable occasion for Etzebeth.

"A victory that secures the title would be a significant moment for both the team and Eben as an individual," Erasmus stated.

Matfield praised the 2.03-meter, 122-kilogram athlete, emphasizing his "athleticism and physicality" along with his leadership skills.

"I truly believe he is the right-hand man to (captain) Siya (Kolisi)," Matfield remarked during a discussion on SuperSport TV. "In critical moments, especially under pressure, he is the one who speaks up—not just speaking, but leading by example."

Former Springboks coach Nick Mallett noted that Etzebeth embodies the finest attributes of both Matfield and Bakkies Botha, the latter of whom formed a celebrated partnership that solidified the Springbok scrum during their 2007 World Cup victory in France.

He possesses Victor's athleticism, exceptional ball-handling skills, and a keen understanding of the game. His speed is complemented by Botha's physicality during ball carries and in line-out situations.

He presents a significant challenge for opponents due to his defensive prowess. Since his arrival, he has been a cornerstone of the pack.

Etzebeth first gained prominence when he excelled for the University of Cape Town in a televised Varsity Cup final in 2011. That same year, he represented the national under-20 team.

Just a year later, at the age of 20, he made his debut for South Africa against England in June 2012.

Growing up in the challenging northern suburbs of Cape Town, his father, Harry, was a wrestler, while his uncle, Cliffie, was a Springbok wrestler and a well-known "hard man" prop for Western Province during the 1970s and early 1980s.

Despite being one of the most formidable figures in international rugby today, he played as a three-quarter for the majority of his school career until a growth spurt of 20 centimeters at age 16 transitioned him into the pack.

He is now firmly recognized as one of the biggest stars in world rugby, both in stature and influence.

In a season marked by the absence of several key locks, including World Cup champions Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, Jean Kleyn, and RG Snyman, he has played a pivotal role for the Springboks alongside newcomer Ruan Nortje, who have both shouldered a significant workload.

According to the Opta analytics company, Nortje and Etzebeth have excelled in line-out situations during this year's Rugby Championship, leading the competition with 31 and 24 line-out wins, respectively.