‘You are nothing without the team,’ said Eben Etzebeth after setting a new Springbok record in his 128th Test against Argentina. Photo: Reuters
The Springboks have laid the perfect platform for the rest of the season under Rassie Erasmus after winning their first Rugby Championship title with their mastermind coach since 2019.
It was also the first full Championship victory for the world champions since 2009 after defeating Argentina in a one-sided affair, outscoring their opponents 48-7 in Mbombela on Saturday night.
A week ago, the Pumas defeated the Boks 29-28 in Argentina, setting up the Championship decider in Mbombela.
Thank you for the support, this is for you South Africa 🇿🇦🫡#Springboks#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/xGeBbITYrc
— Springboks (@Springboks) September 29, 2024
Erasmus applauded his coaching staff and players for securing the title despite the team being changed week in, week out and making the victory sweeter for veteran lock Eben Etzebeth, who played in his record-breaking 128th Test for the Springboks.
“When you make 10 changes here and seven there, there will always be pressure on the players to gel quickly, and I must give credit to the coaching staff, the backroom team and the guys for believing despite all those changes,” Erasmus said after the win.
“We’ve used 49 players this year so far, and 35 in the Rugby Championship alone. But when you get to these crunch games, it’s usually the older and the calmer heads that sometimes pull it through.
“They help a guy like Manie (Libbok, who missed a crunch penalty last weekend) through stages like this.
“Overall, I am very happy for him (Etzebeth), I am happy for Manie and happy for South Africa. I am happy that we won, but now our next target is the end-of-year tour. It would be great to go unbeaten and only lose two games this year.”
Erasmus was chuffed with the win after the disappointing loss last weekend, and said his charges produced a gutsy performance to clinch the Championship.
He added that they produced some brilliant plays at stages, but they can still improve as they now shift their attention to the November Tests in the UK, where they will face Scotland, England and Wales.
“It wasn’t perfect, but there was some really good stuff that we can build on,” Erasmus said.
“We didn’t expect the scoreline (to be so big) because they are difficult to play against. If we didn’t split the two squads and rested a few guys ... The intent we showed was good.
“Argentina is a very physical side, a very nippy and great attacking side. Jerry (Flannery, the Bok defence coach) was very nervous during the week because they scored a couple of tries on that side, and we kept them to one.”
And that's a wrap! A joyous day of celebration in the Lowveld brings a wonderful local Test season to an end 🥳🥳🥳#Springboks#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/SId4lJbtHM
— Springboks (@Springboks) September 29, 2024
For Etzebeth, it was a special occasion that brought him to tears during the singing of the South African national anthem.
“The milestone wouldn’t have been nice if we’d lost this game, so the team really showed up tonight (Saturday),” said Etzebeth.
“But you are nothing without the team, and there are guys I have been with for a long time.
“Played in three World Cups, and won two. Guys like Siya (Kolisi, captain), Jesse (Kriel), Damian (de Allende), I am leaving a few names out now. They have been there from day one, and I would not have been here at this milestone without them.
Reaction from Eben Etzebeth: “It was an unbelievable performance from everyone” - more (and match highlights) here: https://t.co/YUWb6LIEE1 🗣#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #RSAvARG pic.twitter.com/8hAeZOGF08
— Springboks (@Springboks) September 28, 2024
“It was a final and we wanted to win the trophy. That was the main thing.”
Captain Kolisi said the win was huge for them, especially because it was the last time they played at home this year.
He said that they really wanted to thank the South African supporters with their display.
“The way we came out and started the game, our intentions were clear. It’s the first time we achieved this as a group, and we are really honoured to win the Championship like that.”
Points-Scorers
Springboks 48 – Tries: Aphelele Fassi (2), Pieter-Steph du Toit (2), Cheslin Kolbe, Malcolm Marx, Jesse Kriel. Conversions: Handré Pollard (3), Jaden Hendrikse (2). Penalty: Hendrikse (1).
Argentina 7 – Try: Tomas Albornoz. Conversion: Albornoz (1).