MBOMBELA, South Africa (AP) — The guy who eclipsed the great Victor Matfield as South Africa's all-time caps record-holder wants to keep playing rugby for as long as his body can hack it.
Eben Etzebeth became the most capped Springbok in his 128th test on Saturday, and said he's still loving what he does.
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South Africa's Eben Etzebeth catches the ball during a rugby championship test match against Argentina at Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit, South Africa, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
South Africa's Eben Etzebeth, right, is tackled by Argentina's Joel Sclavi during a rugby championship test match at Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit, South Africa, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
South Africa's Eben Etzebeth goes out on the field for a rugby championship test match against Argentina at Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit, South Africa, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
South Africa's Eben Etzebeth jumps for the ball during a rugby championship test match against Argentina at Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit, South Africa, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Winning trophies helps.
Etzebeth played all 80-odd minutes as South Africa won the Rugby Championship for the first time in five years by dominating Argentina 48-7.
It was a typical Etzebeth performance: He carried seven times, made 10 tackles — second only to fellow lock Ruan Nortje — caught a couple of throw-ins and conceded a penalty.
After receiving a special tasseled cap to mark his milestone from Matfield, with whom he went to the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Etzebeth said, "The milestone wouldn't have been nice if we'd lost this game. The team really showed up.
“The guys wanted to make it special for me, but it will always be a team sport, and the trophy was the big thing, and we'll celebrate it very nicely tonight. It was an unbelievable performance from everyone.”
Etzebeth debuted in mid-2012 against England at age 20. He was the fastest Bok to 50 tests and the youngest Bok to 100. The Bok enforcer doesn't turn 33 for another month. He appeared in all six Rugby Championship rounds.
"I've made no secret that the reason I play this game is to play for this team; to perform for my (Sharks) club and to be selected for the national side — that's the ultimate.
“So I'll keep pushing, training hard and performing for my club and hopefully the coaches will keep on selecting me. I never like to share my goals with the public — I like to keep it close to my heart — and I'll still push on, and if the body's good I'll continue to go.”
That was sweet news to Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, with whom Etzebeth goes way back.
“We have been together since we were 18 and you've been a true friend and you have led us in so many ways the way you play the game,” Kolisi said.
“I am so proud of you and pleased to be your friend. I can't wait to tell my grandkids I played with Eben Etzebeth. Cheers, my friend, I love you.”
AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby
South Africa's Eben Etzebeth catches the ball during a rugby championship test match against Argentina at Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit, South Africa, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
South Africa's Eben Etzebeth, right, is tackled by Argentina's Joel Sclavi during a rugby championship test match at Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit, South Africa, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
South Africa's Eben Etzebeth goes out on the field for a rugby championship test match against Argentina at Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit, South Africa, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
South Africa's Eben Etzebeth jumps for the ball during a rugby championship test match against Argentina at Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit, South Africa, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
