SA rugby's men of iron

World Rugby Player of the Year: Springbok contenders

>> Three Springbok stars, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Cheslin Kolbe, are candidates for World Rugby's biggest individual prize, that of Player of the Year. The fourth finalist is Ireland captain Caelan Doris. The winner will be named tomorrow night at an event in Monaco. Here, Jacques van der Westhuyzen profiles the three Bok stars.

EBEN: MOST CAPPED BOK

Springbok rugby's most-called player has been here before in 2013 and last year, when he helped the Boks to a second successive World Cup title, having also won it in 2019.

It proves just how powerful Eben Etzebeth's contribution to Bok rugby has been since his debut in 2012. He has been an ever-present for 12 years now and is up there with the very best to have played the game, in South Africa and globally.

Just a few weeks ago, he broke Victor Matfield's then Test record of 127 games and now stands on 130 Tests.

Having turned 33 this October, Etzebeth remains in fine form and health and looks set to play on until at least the next World Cup in 2027. He has again been on top of his game this season, the go-to man for the No 4 jersey, while several Bok team-mates have shared the duties at No 5.

Etzebeth has been a key leader for the Boks and even captained the side when Siya Kolisi has been rested or played off the bench. With him leading the charge, the Boks have remained a powerful pack, feared the world over, with their scrum still the best in the game.

Etzebeth has been the key lineout man as well, while he has thrived in general play, regularly carrying the ball over the gainline, putting in tackles, and charging down kicks.