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South African World Cup winner praises Etzebeth on 'amazing job' developing his game
By Josh Raisey
Eben Etzebeth had an action-packed World Cup quarter-final against France at the Stade de France which included a try-saving interception, a yellow card and the match-winning try.
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It was a game where the 31-year-old yet again showed how influential he is for the Springboks and why he is one of the premier players in the world. But he is not the same player he was when he made his debut 117 matches ago in 2012 according to his former teammate Francois Louw.
The 2019 World Cup winner appeared on the Official Rugby World Cup 2023 podcast this week alongside former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga and former Wales international Philippa Tuttiett, where he explained how the lock has developed his game over the course of his Test career. He still remains the 204cm, 119kg unit he has always been but the former flanker said how he is now a player who “plays some really good rugby.”
“He is a stalwart for us,” the former Bath back-row said. “I think all teams have an enforcer, someone that brings that physicality and that role has changed so much over the years. Those players are becoming more and more dynamic, not just a big bruiser but someone who plays really good rugby. I think he has developed his game over time.
“He’s a tough bloke, he came out charging when he first came onto the international scene. To contain that aggression and angle it to a point that is more effective for the team, he has done an amazing job in that. His influence in the victory [against France] was immense.”
Etzebeth has started in all but one of the Springboks’ fixtures so far this World Cup, the victory over Romania, and is a certainty to start against England this Saturday in the semi-final, fitness permitting.
He’s added volleyball spikes to his game
New Zealander and proud AB’s supporter here.
Eben Etzebeth is highly respected in NZ and will finish his career
as a legend of the sport for his skill and no compromise attitude on the field and his humbleness off it. Never met the guy but he seems a really good bloke.
Eben will go down as a one of the best ever. For me he is just a wonderful ambassador of the game and our country! He epitomises the South African spirit- hard and uncompromising in the battle and gracious thereafter.