Springbok captain Siya Kolisi poses for a photo with best friend Eben Etzebeth ahead of their Test match against Argentina in Mbombela Springbok captain Siya Kolisi poses for a photo with best friend Eben Etzebeth ahead of their Test match against Argentina in Mbombela. Photo: Phill Magakoe/AFP
There wasn’t a dry left at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday after Springbok captain Siya Kolisi’s tribute to Eben Etzebeth.
Etzebeth became the most capped Springbok in history on Saturday when he earned his 128th Test cap in their Rugby Championship victory over Argentina.
The Springboks put in a polished performance to seal a convincing 48-7 win that also saw them clinch their first Rugby Championship title since 2019.
Name a better duo than Siya and Eben - we'll wait 🥺❤️ pic.twitter.com/ogFo1lwh3J
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) September 28, 2024
Kolisi and Etzebeth began their professional rugby journey together at Western Province when they were still teenagers.
When Kolisi made his debut off the bench against Scotland in Mbombela back 2013, the first player who embraced him on field was the big Etzebeth.
And so, it was fitting that after becoming the most capped Bok ever, Etzebeth would receive a glowing tribute from his friend.
Speaking after the match, Kolisi said: “To my best friend, my eerste beste pal, Eben Etzebeth, Yster, my brother, I’m so grateful that I’ve walked this journey with you. I’m grateful you’ve been part of my life. Thank you for supporting me from the first day coach Rassie [Erasmus] made me captain.
Siya and his team lift the 2024 Rugby Championship 🏆![CDATA[]]>🙌#TRC2024 pic.twitter.com/nhZgkNEoQ8
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) September 28, 2024
“You had my back and we’ve been together since we were 18 years old. You’ve always been by my side. You’ve been a true friend and you became a brother,” he continued.
“You’ve led us as a team in so many ways. How smart you are, and how you think of the game. The man you’re off the field, too, to your family, your wife Anlia, your mother Karen, and obviously your dad is not with us, but he’s watching us today.
“I’m so proud of you. I’m so grateful to be your friend. I can’t wait to tell my grandkids that I played with Eben ‘Ysterbeth’. Thank you my brother, I love you.”
IOL Sport
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