Grieving Eben Etzebeth to captain Boks against All Blacks

Stand-in South Africa skipper Eben Etzebeth will play against New Zealand on Saturday in Auckland despite the death of his father, a team official told AFP.

The 31-year-old lock’s dad died on Tuesday, casting doubt on whether Etzebeth would play in the Rugby Championship showdown or return home to support his family. 

Etzebeth took part in the captain’s run at Mount Smart Stadium on Friday morning, with Springboks media manager Zeena Isaacs confirming to AFP he would play.

A South African Rugby official had described Etzebeth as “extremely close” to his father, Harry.

Etzebeth is standing in as skipper, with the Springboks’ regular captain Siya Kolisi sidelined by a knee injury.

‘Tough time’

The match will be Etzebeth’s first since suffering a shoulder injury three months ago.

“It’s been a pretty tough week for him and his family. As a team, we send our condolences to the Etzebeth family,” All Blacks captain Sam Cane told reporters.

“It must be pretty tough for him being on the other side of the world.

“We’ll see each other at the coin toss and then do battle on the field.”

Both sides come into the clash on the back of commanding opening-round Rugby Championship wins.

The All Blacks hammered Argentina 41-12 away last Saturday, the same day South Africa beat Australia 43-12 in Pretoria.

South Africa’s veteran No 8 Duane Vermeulen, who led the team against Australia, is among the replacements with six forwards and two backs named on South Africa’s bench.

This season’s Rugby Championship has been trimmed back to three rounds due to the World Cup, which kicks off in September.

Saturday’s Test in Auckland is considered a probable title decider and Cane is anticipating a tough clash between the rival packs.

“You can see by the bench they have picked, it’s going to be a game that will be won up front,” Cane said.

“We are in for a big challenge. I’m just looking forward to it. It’s going to be all on.”