Baltimore decider the 'ultimate Test' and tougher than World Cup
It is rare for players to claim that a series or Test match is more challenging than the World Cup.
As the Springboks gear up for the decisive match in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks in Baltimore, lock Eben Etzebeth has conveyed a significant message: facing New Zealand four times consecutively is the “ultimate test” and may be more demanding than competing in a World Cup.
Prior to Saturday’s historic encounter at Ravens Stadium, Etzebeth emphasised the uniqueness of each Test, noting that the stakes of the series bring an additional layer of excitement to the event.
“This is an incredibly important Test for us,” the record-breaking Springbok lock shared with @rugby365com.
“We are fortunate to be part of this era, competing in a four-Test series against New Zealand,” he continued.
“The games have been tough and physically demanding, but we cherish every moment of it.”
Etzebeth acknowledged that while the World Cup represents the pinnacle of rugby, it does not involve taking on the All Blacks for four straight weekends.
He described it as “surely the toughest challenge in the game,” due to the consistent intensity and physicality of the matches.
(WATCH as the most capped Springbok Eben Etzebeth explains how tough Saturday’s Greatest Rivalry Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore is going to be…..)
With the Springboks currently leading the series two-one, he underscored that the Baltimore match is poised to be a true decider.
A victory would secure a historic 3-1 series triumph for South Africa, whereas a defeat would result in a draw, with both teams sharing half of the trophy.
In reflecting on their initial loss at Ellis Park, the player acknowledged the coaching staff’s role in maintaining focus and emphasised the squad’s reliance on past experiences to navigate challenging situations.
He referenced the significance of the 2021 British & Irish Lions series and their World Cup journeys in 2019 and 2023 as crucial foundations for their resilience.
Despite the physical demands of the tour, he conveyed the team’s enthusiasm, stating: “We love every second of it.”
The players are eager to give their all during the full 80 minutes in pursuit of bringing the trophy home.
He also expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to play in the United States for the first time, highlighting the importance of this high-profile match for promoting rugby ahead of the 2031 World Cup.
As he steps onto the field on Saturday, he will further extend his record as the most-capped Springbok in history, reaching 146 Test caps.
@JanDKrugby
@rugby365com
