Watch: Eben Etzebeth cries during anthem on his special occasion
It was obviously just how much the Springbok Test cap record meant to Eben Etzebeth when he cried in the lead-up to Saturday’s game against Argentina in Mbombela.
Etzebeth – who became the most capped Springbok of all time with 128 Tests – when he lined up with his teammates against Argentina at a packed Mbombela Stadium.
And while the Springboks hope to clinch the Rugby Championship title for the first time since 2019, the just running onto the field was enough for the indomitable Etzebeth to achieve his stunning milestone.
BIG OCCASION FOR BIG MAN
Etzebeth was given the honour of running out onto the field ahead of the rest of the Springbok team and he was joined by his wife Anlia and their infant daughter — both dressed in green and white — as a fire lit with spelling ‘Eben 128’ to highlight his achievement.
128 not out! Sir Etzebeth!#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvARG pic.twitter.com/KrN42VIUCa
— Captain Springbok 🤜🤛 (@CaptSpringbok) September 28, 2024
Once his family left the field and he was lined up with his teammates for the anthems, a visibly emotional Etzebeth couldn’t contain the teams, which were streaming down his face by the time the anthem was being sung.
RASSIE AND SIYA LAUDS ETZEBETH
In the lead-up to the Test, Rassie Erasmus was full of praise for Etzebeth for his impressive career milestone.
“As a former Springbok I can attest to what a massive achievement it will be for Etzebeth to become the most capped Springbok ever, and we are all very proud of him and want to make this a special and memorable occasion for him.
“If we can win the title and finish the competition off with a victory it would be a massive occasion for the team and Etzebeth as an individual, and we’ll give everything to make this a special day for him.”
Siya Kolisi, who is close friend of Etzebeth, said he was delighted to share this phenomenal achievement with him.
“I’ll never forget my first game – it was a special one against Scotland and it was tough too, so it’s fantastic for me to share this moment with Eben Etzebeth and mark this milestone with him together,” said Kolisi.
“I met Etzebeth when I was 18 years-old and we’ve been friends for a long time, even when he went overseas.
“So, for us as a team the best way to show how special he is to us will be to win tomorrow. He doesn’t want this week to be about him, winning (the game and the trophy) would mean so much more to him.”
“A lot of people see him as playing an enforcing role and being a good leader, but he’s also very intelligent, so there’s so much more to him than his physicality. He also plays a crucial role in ensuring that the team’s values are kept intact.”
Eben Etzebeth is now the standalone most capped Springbok of all time. Image: Via X/@WorldRugby.
IS EBEN THE GREATEST SPRINGBOK OF ALL TINE
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