Etzebeth Set to Eclipse Bok's Achievement, Libbok Eyeing Redemption Opportunity
A Brand-New Records Day for Eben Etzebeth as Springboks Tackle Argentina
Get ready for history in the making at the Rugby Championship decider against Argentina in Nelspruit on Saturday! Eben Etzebeth is gearing up to shatter a record he himself originally set, as he'll be playing in his 128th Test match for the Springboks, making him the most-capped player in the squad's history.
Etzebeth tied the old record with 127 appearances in the 31-29 loss to Argentina last weekend, paving the way for his record-breaking performance this weekend.
With a chance to redeem himself, Manie Libbok will take over at flyhalf after missing a crucial penalty kick that could've brought victory last weekend. He'll team up with Jaden Hendrikse in a new halfback pairing for this battle.
Rassie Erasmus has made some significant changes to the squad, introducing nine new players, and restoring several heavy hitters who sat out last week's match. Captain Siya Kolisi, hooker Bongi Mbonambi, tighthead prop Frans Malherbe, flank Pieter-Steph du Toit, centre Damian de Allende, and wing Cheslin Kolbe return to the line-up, aiming to lift the Springboks to their first Rugby Championship title since 2019's shortened series and their first full tournament title in 15 years.
If Argentina wins without a bonus point, the Springboks will still claim their fifth title. However, if Argentina achieves a bonus-point victory and prevents the hosts from earning any points themselves, the Pumas would secure their first-ever championship win.
Here's a fun fact to keep in mind as you root for your team – Handre Pollard moved into second place on the Springbok all-time scorers' list, with 749 points, after his successful two conversions and two penalty goals against Argentina last week. Percy Montgomery still holds first place with 893 points.
Don't forget that the Springboks have never lost at the Mbombela Stadium, where they defeated Argentina 30-23 in their last match in Nelspruit in 2016.
We wish all the players a successful and injury-free game, as they work towards their goal of bringing home the Rugby Championship trophy!
All-Time Springbok Records:- Eben Etzebeth will reach his 128th Test match appearance this weekend, making him the most-capped Springbok of all-time, surpassing the previous record of 127 appearances held by Victor Matfield.- Handre Pollard surpassed Morne Steyn (742 points) to take second place on the Springbok all-time scorers' list, now sitting on 749 points. Percy Montgomery safeguards the top spot with 893 points.- The Springboks have won 15 out of the 16 matches played against Argentina in South Africa, with Argentina's lone victory happening in 2015.
Starting Line-Up:15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements:16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Elrigh Louw, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Handre Pollard, 23 Lukhanyo Am.
In this weekend's Rugby Championship decider against Argentina, Eben Etzebeth will make history as he becomes the most-capped Springbok of all-time, surpassing Victor Matfield's record of 127 appearances. Meanwhile, Handre Pollard will continue his impressive run, moving up to second place on the Springbok all-time scorers' list, just behind Percy Montgomery's 893 points. With these sports records at stake, fans are eagerly anticipating the exciting sports action on the pitch.
