South Africa's Captain Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth thanking the supporters after winning the Freedom Cup between South Africa and New Zealand at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town Eben Etzebeth is solely focussed on helping South Africa claim the Rugby Championship title ahead of their clash with hosts Argentina. Picture:: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers
Though Eben Etzebeth is set to become the most-capped Springbok of all time in less than two weeks, it’s a record that the giant lock is not concerned about before it happens.
Right now, Etzebeth is solely focussed on helping South Africa claim the Rugby Championship title ahead of their clash with hosts Argentina in the northern city of Santiago del Estero on Saturday.
The Springboks have 18 points, with Los Pumas on 10, with the All Blacks third on seven and Australia in last place with four.
Etzebeth has been named on the bench for the match, and should he come on as a replacement he will equal the legendary Victor Matfield’s record of 127 caps.
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Who remembers Eben Etzebeth's try-saving knock back? @Springboks pic.twitter.com/KF2nX91D7J
If that happens, Etzebeth could become the most-capped Springbok ever in the return fixture in Mbombela on September 28.
Though at 32-years-old, if he stays injury-free, Etzebeth should far surpass the tally of Matfield.
Nevertheless, the double Rugby World Cup winning forward played down the milestone.
"I would prefer to discuss the record when it occurs. I am uncomfortable talking about issues before they happen," said Etzebeth.
"Were I to equal the record of the great Victor Matfield this weekend, then overtake it when we play Argentina again next weekend in Mbombela, it will be fantastic.
"I understand that back home now there is a lot about me in the various media, so it is difficult to completely ignore the looming record.”
A win would clinch the Rugby Championship title for the Springboks, and that’s all that Etzebeth was prepared to think about.
"However, I am committed to keeping my feet firmly on the ground and concentrating on the task at hand, which is defeating the Pumas and winning the Rugby Championship.
"We are about to face opponents who scored 67 points in their last outing (against Australia) so it is all about hard work and thorough preparations.
"Rugby is a great leveller. The minute you think that a record makes you special, the legs can be kicked out from under you."