Eben Etzebeth’s Top 5 Games in the Springbok Jersey: A Titan Among Men

Eben Etzebeth’s Top 5 Games in the Springbok Jersey: A Titan Among Men

 

Eben Etzebeth, the towering Springbok lock with an unmatched physical presence and fierce determination, has cemented his place as one of the most iconic rugby players in South African history. Since his debut in 2012, Etzebeth has consistently delivered powerhouse performances that have inspired teammates, intimidated opponents, and thrilled fans across the globe. With over 110 test caps to his name and two Rugby World Cup triumphs (2019 and 2023), Etzebeth’s career is a highlight reel of dominant displays, game-changing moments, and bone-crunching tackles.

 

Among his many standout performances, five games rise above the rest—not just for the statistics or the outcomes, but for the raw emotion, leadership, and sheer presence Etzebeth brought to the field. These are Eben Etzebeth’s top five games for the Springboks.

 

 

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1. South Africa vs New Zealand – Rugby Championship, Newlands 2017

 

Although the Springboks narrowly lost this encounter (24–25), Eben Etzebeth’s performance as captain stood out as one of the most courageous and commanding displays of his career. Leading a team still recovering from a historic 57–0 thrashing by the All Blacks a month prior, Etzebeth wore his heart on his sleeve in front of a sold-out Newlands crowd.

 

Etzebeth led the defensive line with intensity, racked up a high tackle count, disrupted New Zealand’s lineout, and consistently punched holes in their defensive setup. His leadership and physical dominance set the tone for what was a massive turnaround from the previous fixture. Even All Blacks coach Steve Hansen praised the Springboks’ resurgence in this match—much of which was down to Etzebeth’s warrior-like performance.

 

 

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2. South Africa vs England – Rugby World Cup Final, Yokohama 2019

 

While much of the attention in this match went to the likes of Tendai Mtawarira, Duane Vermeulen, and Makazole Mapimpi, Etzebeth’s contribution in the engine room was instrumental to South Africa’s 32–12 triumph. Facing a highly-rated England pack that had dismantled the All Blacks a week earlier, Etzebeth played a key role in turning the tide at set-piece and breakdown.

 

Etzebeth’s lineout work was flawless, and his physicality around the fringes helped nullify England’s gainline efforts. The sheer presence he brought to every contact gave the Springboks a psychological edge, with England visibly rattled by the unrelenting pressure. Etzebeth may not have made the highlight reels, but connoisseurs of forward play recognized his value in delivering one of the most complete Springbok performances in World Cup history.

 

 

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3. South Africa vs Wales – Rugby World Cup Semi-final, Yokohama 2019

 

In a brutal arm-wrestle that ended 19–16 in South Africa’s favor, Etzebeth was a pillar of strength in a match where every inch gained mattered. With both teams opting for a tactical and forward-dominated approach, Etzebeth was central to the physical battle. He made crucial carries into traffic, dominated in the tackle area, and ensured South Africa’s lineout and maul remained potent weapons.

 

Etzebeth’s performance in this game is a prime example of his ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are at their highest. He didn’t just deliver physically—he brought composure and focus to a team locked in a tight contest with a very capable Welsh outfit. His efforts contributed significantly to South Africa’s ability to grind out a win and reach their third World Cup final.

 

 

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4. South Africa vs France – Autumn Nations Series, Marseille 2022

 

This test match, though lost narrowly (30–26), saw Eben Etzebeth at his most ferocious and combative. Facing a powerful and resurgent French side, Etzebeth took the battle personally. From the opening whistle, he imposed himself on every ruck, tackle, and set-piece, playing with a level of aggression that bordered on primal.

 

What set this performance apart was Etzebeth’s ability to channel his intensity into leadership. With the Boks down a man for a significant period and facing a passionate French crowd, Etzebeth’s resilience helped keep the team in the contest. He was awarded Man of the Match honors by many media outlets despite the loss—proof of how dominant he was. His towering figure led the lineout and added weight to every maul and breakdown, reminding the world why he’s one of the most feared forwards in the modern game.

 

 

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5. South Africa vs Ireland – Rugby World Cup Quarter-final, Stade de France 2023

 

In what many considered the “true final” of the 2023 World Cup, the Springboks took on an in-form Irish side that was ranked number one in the world. In this epic battle of titans, South Africa emerged victorious, and Etzebeth delivered arguably one of the greatest performances of his career.

 

He scored a crucial try in the second half, barging through defenders with sheer brute strength—a moment that shifted momentum in South Africa’s favor. But beyond the try, it was his relentless physicality, work rate, and leadership that defined the game. Etzebeth carried the ball with intent, smashed into defensive lines with unrelenting power, and held the Springbok pack together in moments of chaos.

 

This game solidified his legacy as one of the all-time greats, not just in South African rugby but globally. Against an exceptional Irish outfit, Etzebeth stood tall—literally and figuratively—proving again why he is the heart of the Springbok pack.

 

 

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Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Eben Etzebeth

 

Eben Etzebeth’s rugby career is a masterclass in consistency, resilience, and raw power. He embodies the ethos of Springbok rugby: uncompromising, passionate, and endlessly determined. While many players shine for a moment, Etzebeth has built a legacy over a decade of dominance in the green and gold jersey.

 

These five games represent more than just individual brilliance—they are a testament to the role Etzebeth has played in shaping one of the most successful eras in Springbok history. Whether it’s leading a team through adversity, anchoring the set-piece, or delivering game-changing plays, Eben Etzebeth remains a colossus of South African rugby and his top performances will be remembered for generations.