VIDEO: 'He is a better person than a player'

Mention the name Eben Etzebeth and a colourful array of descriptions and opinions of the man mountain lock start appearing: GOAT, The Ultimate Enforcer, Most Feared Player, A Springbok Colossus.

But maybe we should listen to the man who works with Springbok #833 every day – Bok forward coach Daan Human.

On Monday Human was asked about the big Springbok – who will surpass Victor Matfield as the most capped Springbok of all time when he runs out against Argentina at the Mbombela Stadium for the 128th time.

“I still think he is a better person than a player,” Human told a media gathering as the Boks started their build-up to the Rugby Championship decider against Argentina in Nelspruit.

“He is a wonderful guy.

“He is the most coachable.

“He has the most caps at the moment and might be the most-capped player in South Africa on Saturday.

“But he is a good guy, feet on the ground, always willing to learn and a team man.

“If there is one guy I can think of, if you look at a Springbok, it is Eben Etzebeth standing out.

“He is a great example for all the youngsters and the whole team.

“He is the one guy that always puts the Springboks first,” Human added.

The 32-year-old Etzebeth, standing at an impressive 2.07 meters, has been described as a hybrid between former Springbok locks Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha.

He is a leader on and off the field and a player who is uncompromising on defence.

The Springbok titan was awarded the prestigious title of South African Rugby Player of the Year for the second consecutive time, marking a remarkable achievement in his illustrious career.

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Etzebeth has left an indelible mark on the sport since his Test debut in 2012.

His unwavering commitment to the Green and Gold jersey has been instrumental in guiding the Springboks to unprecedented success, culminating in their triumphant defence of the Webb Ellis Cup in France last October.

He is part of an elite group of players – out of the 944 who have worn the famed Green and Gold jersey – to reach the 100-Test milestone.

Matfield, Etzebeth, and Bryan Habana are incredibly, all tied on 79 Test victories.

Etzebeth will have the opportunity to hold that ‘record’ on his own come the final whistle this weekend.

In the build-up to the Test match in Argentina last weekend, Etzebeth was asked about the milestone he is set to reach in his career this weekend.

The humble giant did not want to comment on potentially making history.

“I am committed to keeping my feet firmly on the ground and concentrating on the task at hand, which is defeating the Pumas and winning the Rugby Championship.

“We are about to face opponents who scored 67 points in their last outing [against Australia] so it is all about hard work and thorough preparations.

“Rugby is a great leveller.

“The minute you think that a record makes you special, the legs can be kicked out from under you.”