Etzebeth pays tribute to his Bok teammates after night to remember in Mbombela

By SABC Sport
29th September 2024

Eben Etzebeth thanked his fellow players for delivering an "unbelievable performance" as he celebrated his record-breaking 128th cap on a memorable night for the Springboks and their fans.

The Boks clinched the Rugby Championship crown with a joyous 48-7 victory over Argentina at an electrified Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday.

A crowd of 43 578 celebrated as the Springboks scored seven tries to claim the southern hemisphere crown for the first time since 2019 - scoring more tries in a match in the competition since scoring nine in beating the same opponents at the FNB Stadium in 73-13 in 2013.

"The milestone wouldn't have been nice if we'd lost this game, so the team really showed up tonight," said Etzebeth after sharing a moment with Victor Matfield, the fellow Springbok lock and legend whose record he overtook.

"The Rugby Championship was on the line; it was a final tonight, and we all wanted to win that trophy. The guys wanted to make it special for me, but it will always be a team sport, and the trophy was the big thing, and we'll celebrate it very nicely tonight. It was an unbelievable performance from everyone."

Etzebeth was quick to downplay his own milestone achievement as he paid tribute to his teammates who have been with him through thick and thin.

"There are guys I have been with at three World Cups, won two World Cups, guys like Siya, Jesse, Handre, Frans, Willie, Damian - I'm leaving a few out, but I wouldn't have reached this milestone without those players."

As for how long he hopes to continue playing, Etzebeth said he remained motivated to continue pushing for selection though he prefers to keep his personal goals private.

"It's about staying fit and pushing the body as far as it can go," added the 32-year-old.

"I've made no secret that the reason I play this game is to play for this team; to perform for my club and to be selected for the national side - that's the ultimate.

"So, I'll keep pushing, training hard and performing for my club and hopefully the coaches will keep on selecting me. I never like to share my goals with the public - I like to keep it close to my heart - and I'll still push on and if the body's good I'll continue to go."