Eben Etzebeth Leads Springboks Against All Blacks in Tribute to Late Father

by
1 min read
rugby springboks

The South African Rugby community was left heartbroken upon hearing the news of Harry Etzebeth’s passing after a long battle with cancer. Harry was the father of Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth. As the team prepared for their clash against the All Blacks, the decision of whether Eben would participate in the game or return home rested solely in his hands.

Eben’s Decision

Ultimately, Eben chose to honor his father by playing in the match. The team is expected to wear black armbands as a tribute to Harry. Eben’s appearance in this game marks his first match since enduring a shoulder injury three months ago. The announcement of his participation came during the captain’s run at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland on Friday morning. Springboks media manager, Zeena Isaacs, confirmed his decision to play.

All Blacks’ Coach Expresses Condolences

The All Blacks coach, Ian Foster, expressed his condolences to Eben and the entire Etzebeth family before the match. He acknowledged the quality of the Springboks’ players and expressed confidence that they would adapt and adjust. Foster emphasized that, at the moment, their thoughts were with Eben as a person.

Eben Named Team Captain

The Springboks named Eben Etzebeth as the team captain earlier this week, adding another layer of responsibility to an already emotional weekend for him. The Test match between the Springboks and the All Blacks is set to kick off at 9:05 am South African time.

Line-ups

The line-ups for both teams are as follows:

All Blacks: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith; 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot. Subs: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Tupou Vaa’i, 20 Dalton Papali’i, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Braydon Ennor, 23 Caleb Clarke.

Springboks: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Kwagga Smith, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth (c), 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff. Subs: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 21 Duane Vermeulen, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok.

This game marks the 104th time that the Springboks and All Blacks have faced each other in a head-to-head match. These two iconic teams have a history of fierce competition, and Eben Etzebeth’s courageous decision to play adds another layer of intensity to the encounter. The rugby world will surely be watching as Etzebeth leads his team through this emotionally charged battle on the field.

Tags:

You might be interested in

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

wildlife conservation adventure travel
Previous Story

Sir Richard Branson’s Visit to Zimbabwe

rugby south africa
Next Story

Eben Etzebeth to Play in Rugby Championship Despite Father’s Death

Latest from Blog

workers' day south africa

A Dawn of Gratitude: Workers’ Day in South Africa

Workers’ Day in South Africa is a day of celebration for the contributions and achievements of workers across the nation. It represents three decades of democratic governance and the tireless resilience of workers and trade unions who have played an integral part in the journey towards justice and equality. Progressive legislations have transformed labor rights and workplace conditions, leading to a more equitable and just labor market. However, ongoing efforts are needed to address gender disparities and high levels of youth unemployment. Parliament remains committed to enhancing the lives and working conditions of South African workers.

mountains survival

James Norbury: A Riveting Encounter with Danger and Path to Enlightenment

James Norbury is a talented filmmaker, photographer, and ultrarunner who narrowly escaped a dangerous confrontation with fire while tackling the 14km Box to Box Challenge on Table Mountain. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of being prepared and maintaining situational awareness when exploring the wilderness. Norbury’s experience highlights the delicate balance between man and nature, emphasizing the need for respect, awareness, and readiness.

south africa taxi violence

Prompt Justice: Gauteng Law Enforcement Captures Culprit in Meter Taxi Association Chair’s Homicide

In Pretoria Central, the Gauteng police quickly captured a suspect in the homicide of a Meter Taxi Association chair. The suspect allegedly began shooting at the police before being arrested for murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm. The event sheds light on the persistent issue of violence in the South African taxi industry and the effectiveness of the Rapid Rail Police Unit’s speedy response. The police are investigating potential connections to other crimes related to taxi violence.

south africa economy

The Evolution of South Africa’s Economy: A Retelling by Cyril Ramaphosa

In his keynote speech at the 2024 Black Business Council Gala Dinner, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa shares an insightful and enthralling account of the country’s economic transformation. He highlights the expansion of blackowned businesses since his administration took power in 2019 and pays tribute to the late Dr. Sam Motsuenyane’s significant contribution to economic transformation. Ramaphosa acknowledges the challenges that remain, including high unemployment, energy issues, and poverty, but celebrates the success of black businesses and the government’s commitment to economic progress.

culinary innovation personalization

A Culinary Revolution: Sweetbeet’s Innovative Food Journey

Sweetbeet’s Build Your Own concept allows customers to create thousands of unique meal combinations from over 50 fresh ingredients, making every trip to Sweetbeet a gastronomical expedition. With a new partnership with MasterChef winner Kamini Pather, customers can now enjoy custombuilt flavors. Sweetbeet’s dedication to quality ingredients and expanding reach through strategic alliances, like with Vida e Caffè, make it a pioneer in the culinary world.