VIDEO: Eben will be 'very unhappy' about one particular comment
SPOTLIGHT: Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth’s inspiring performance off the bench against the Wallabies in Cape Town has raised a question about his role in future matches.
The 33-year-old entered the match in the 45th minute, and he made a huge impact in the physical exchanges.
He dominated the collisions, especially in the final quarter, and he also burrowed over for a try with six minutes left on the clock.
After the match, Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus was asked if Etzebeth could be used off the bench more in the future.
The story continues below…
“It’s a difficult one to call because what he brings in line-outs and the pressure he puts on the opposition’s No. 9 when there is box kicking,” said Erasmus.
“You kind of lose that a little bit when RG [Snyman] is on the field.
“Eben is probably one of the fittest guys in the team, and he can go really long at the same pace, whereas RG maybe can’t do it as deep into the games.
“Eben would also be very unhappy if he heard what you said now about playing him off the bench,” the Bok coach added with a smile.
The story continues below…
Meanwhile, Jean-Luc du Preez was a late withdrawal from the team due to illness, which meant that Kwagga Smith had to start the match at No.8.
“I think Ruan [Nortje] did well and I think Lood [de Jager] did well when he came on,” Erasmus added.
“I thought Kwagga, apart from giving one or two penalties away, was really energetic and then Marco [van Staden] is always up there.
“It’s a pity, you know, with Jan-Hendrik back for the next game [against the All Blacks at Eden Park], it will be an interesting team selection.
“Those guys definitely brought what we wanted. Maybe not the force and everything, but maybe some calm heads at the right time.”
@rugby365coom
