Lock Eben Etzebeth is poised to become the most capped South African international player in history when he takes the field for the Rugby Championship decider against Argentina in Nelspruit on Saturday. This match will mark Etzebeth’s 128th test appearance, surpassing the previous record held by former player Victor Matfield. The Springboks are vying for the vital point needed to secure the southern hemisphere championship for the fifth time.
The Springboks would have already clinched the title if flyhalf Manie Libbok had not missed a crucial late penalty during last weekend’s narrow 29-28 defeat to Argentina. As it stands, the South African team is now just five points ahead of Argentina in the standings.
Argentina must win and secure a try-scoring bonus point while preventing South Africa from scoring to win their first Rugby Championship title.
In preparation for the crucial match, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has reinstated several key players after opting for 10 changes in the last game. Notable returnees include Cheslin Kolbe on the wing, Damian de Allende at inside center, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Siya Kolisi on the flanks, while Etzebeth will start in the second row alongside Frans Malherbe at prop and Bongi Mbonambi at hooker.
Erasmus acknowledged the significance of the occasion for Etzebeth, saying, “As a former Springbok, I can attest to what a massive achievement it will be for Eben to become the most capped Springbok ever. We want to make this a special and memorable occasion for him. Winning the title would be a monumental moment for the team and for Eben.”
Despite some struggles with his kicking, Libbok remains the primary flyhalf, with Handre Pollard on the bench along with scrumhalf Cobus Reinach and center Lukhanyo Am. Erasmus expressed confidence in Libbok’s overall playmaking skills: “Manie’s general play is fantastic, and he brings a lot of energy and play-making abilities to the backline. We fully back Manie to do the job for us at flyhalf. It’s not just up to him to find solutions for his goal kicking; we are working on a plan as a team.”
Cheslin Kolbe and starting scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse are also capable of kicking duties if needed.
The starting lineup for the match includes: 15-Aphelele Fassi, 14-Cheslin Kolbe, 13-Jesse Kriel, 12-Damian de Allende, 11-Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10-Manie Libbok, 9-Jaden Hendrikse, 8-Jasper Wiese, 7-Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6-Siya Kolisi (captain), 5-Ruan Nortje, 4-Eben Etzebeth, 3-Frans Malherbe, 2-Bongi Mbonambi, 1-Ox Nche.
The replacements are: 16-Malcolm Marx, 17-Gerhard Steenekamp, 18-Vincent Koch, 19-Elrigh Louw, 20-Kwagga Smith, 21-Cobus Reinach, 22-Handre Pollard, 23-Lukhanyo Am.