Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth will go down as one of the greatest players to yet put on the green and gold and will cement that legendary status when he runs on to make his 128th appearance in the deciding Rugby Championship match against Argentina in Mbombela this afternoon.
He will break Bok legend Victor Matfield's record of 127 caps and with the 32 year old still having a number of years left in his rugby career, he is expected to set a massive appearances record for future generations to chase.
Matfield has been glowing in his praise of Etzebeth and believes he can even reach the magical 150 international cap mark, which has only been breached by two other players.
Welsh legend Alun Wyn Jones sits on top with 171 caps (158 for Wales and 13 for the British & Irish Lions) and former All Blacks star Sam Whitelock played 153 Tests. Both of them, like Etzebeth and Matfield, are also locks.
"I don't think there is a better player to do that," said Matfield about Etzebeth breaking his record.
"I think Eben will probably go down as the best player to have worn the green and gold. He still has quite a few games in him.
I think he can go over 150 Test matches." Etzebeth was born in Cape Town where he attended Hoërskool Tygerberg and represented Western Province at a junior level, including Craven Week.
Denne historien er fra September 28, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 28, 2024-utgaven av The Citizen.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Writing on the wall for O'Shea
Approaching the halfway point of the season, UAE champion jockey Tadhg O'Shea is facing a tough battle in his bid for a 13th title.
Early selections for Sha Tin Sunday
Luke Middlebrook's tips and race-by-race preview from Idol Horse for Sha Tin's Sunday racemeeting.
Greaterix to finally have his day
QUALITY: THREE OUTSTANDING FEATURES ADDED TO MAKE A GREAT TURFFONTEIN CARD
Luna Halo to keep bracelet at home
The Lady's Bracelet has always been one of the popular events on the Fairview calendar and has won by some decent runners.
Buyer splashes out R24m for Tokyo new year tuna
The top bidder at a Tokyo fish market said they paid $1.3 million (about R24 million) for a tuna on Sunday, the second highest price ever paid at an annual prestigious new year auction.
Ten Commandments tablet sells for R94m
BIBLICAL: HIGH FIGURE NOTCHED DESPITE DOUBTS OVER AUTHENTICITY
PVA Revved Up and Rearing to Go
Park Village Auctions (PVA) is starting 2025 in full throttle with back-to-back Absa repossessed vehicle auctions next Wednesday and Thursday.
MI GOODNESS
Potgieter shines with the ball and Brevis with the bat in opening match in Gqeberha.
Chiefs have plenty to 'fix'
Nasreddine Nabi (below) has admitted Kaizer Chiefs are not where he wants them to be \"in some areas\" after his first five months in charge at Naturena.
Jose left at a loss for words
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro (above) battled to explain how his dominant side lost the Betway Premiership match against Cape Town City.
