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

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South African rugby player Eben Etzebeth has shown remarkable resilience and leadership by choosing to play against the All Blacks in the upcoming Rugby Championship match in Auckland on Saturday, despite the recent passing of his father. Etzebeth, who is the Springboks’ captain, has demonstrated his commitment to the team by participating in the game despite his personal struggles.

Etzebeth Confirms Participation in the Game

Etzebeth’s father passed away on Tuesday, raising concerns about whether the rugby player would play in the Rugby Championship match or fly back to South Africa to be with his family. However, Etzebeth put these doubts to rest when he participated in the captain’s run at Mount Smart Stadium on Friday morning. Springboks media manager Zeena Isaacs confirmed that Etzebeth would play in the match.

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Etzebeth’s Leadership Role

Etzebeth’s decision to participate in the Rugby Championship match highlights his unwavering commitment to the team and his leadership role. As the Springboks’ regular captain, Siya Kolisi, is currently unable to participate due to a knee injury, Etzebeth has stepped up as the skipper. Saturday’s match will be his first game since recovering from a shoulder injury he sustained three months earlier.

All Blacks Express Sympathy

The All Blacks team expressed their condolences to Etzebeth and his family. Captain Sam Cane acknowledged the difficult week Etzebeth must have had, being away from his family during such trying times. He stated that they would see each other at the coin toss and then engage in battle on the field.

Lineups for the Rugby Championship Match

Both the All Blacks and the Springboks have announced their lineups for the Rugby Championship match. Key players for the All Blacks include Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, and Jordie Barrett, while the Springboks lineup features Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Lukhanyo Am, and Damian de Allende.

The History of the Springboks and All Blacks

The upcoming Rugby Championship match will mark the 104th time the Springboks and All Blacks face each other. To date, they have played 103 games, with the Springboks winning 38, losing 61, and drawing 4. The Springboks have scored 1,674 points and conceded 2,143, while the All Blacks have scored 234 tries to the Springboks’ 160.

Etzebeth’s Performance

As the Springboks and All Blacks prepare for the showdown, fans eagerly anticipate Etzebeth’s performance. His dedication to his team and the sport is truly commendable, and one can’t help but admire his courage in the face of personal adversity. This match will undoubtedly be a testament to Etzebeth’s strength, both on and off the field, as he leads the Springboks in the Rugby Championship.

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Amanda Wilson is a Cape Town-born journalist who covers the city’s evolving food scene for national and international outlets, tracing stories from Bo-Kaap spice shops to Khayelitsha micro-breweries. Raised on her grandmother’s Karoo lamb potjie and weekend hikes up Lion’s Head, she brings equal parts palate and pride to every assignment. Colleagues know her for the quiet warmth that turns interviews into friendships and fact-checks into shared laughter.

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