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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.
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.
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Latest Comments
Italians defended well. Luckily the scrums went well for the ABs.
Go to commentsYou were 'valuing' the players by you saying "they are not greats" though, I was pointing out another reason why they are greats, inside the team I mean (which is more important to selections on the pitch stuff).
Someone like TJ would be bitterly disappointed he didn't play on this end of year tour. He is still good enough to come on in that France game and ensure the team get the victory (with regards to how well Ratima had been playing). At the very least this is a 'sorry you didn't get that chance' offering, he's not here to get token farewell games, he will be playing to try and prove that he should have been on the pitch last week.
The other decision to play your best over the future is really personal though so can agree with your reasoning. Just sharing a slightly different perspective. I'll have to check the ratings and see how they went.
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