Lood de Jager says world cup-winning teammate Eben Etzebeth deserves to become the most-capped Springbok as the enforcer closes in on Victor Matfield’s record.
The sidelined De Jager has watched on from South Africa as Etzebeth went level with Bryan Habana in second place on the list of most-capped Springboks in the Rugby Championship clash with the Wallabies in Perth.
Should Etzebeth, currently on 124 Test caps, play the remaining four Rugby Championship matches against New Zealand and Argentina, he would not only equal Matfield’s record of 127 appearances, but surpass it and become the most capped Springbok in history.
De Jager, who won the 2019 world cup and 2021 Lions Series with Etzebeth, told Sport24 that it would be an achievement well deserved for a player who sets the standard in the Bok dressing room.
“The first thing… he doesn’t bring a lot of words…” De Jager said.
“When you look at Eben, the first thing you look at is his work ethic off the field especially, how professional he is, how he recovers and how hard he works in the gym.
“For any youngster coming into the group, there is no better example than Eben on what epitomises Bok rugby and what it is to be a Springbok.
“I really hope he does break the record; he really deserves it. He’s a champion of a man, he’s a great team guy and a great example to youngsters coming through.”
This article first appeared in SA Rugby magazine.
