Etzebeth relishes Boks skipper role
Lock may have captaincy extended due to Whiteley’s groin injury
“Welcome to the best day of my life‚” was how Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth summed up his emotions after hearing the news he was to lead the team against France at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Etzebeth‚ 25‚ became Springbok captain No 59 after Warren Whiteley cried off with a groin injury‚ and Etzebeth didn’t disappoint – leading from the front with a rampaging display.
The Boks won 35-12 to seal a 3-0 series whitewash over France and create a small bit of history by beating Les Bleus at Ellis Park for the first time in their fifth attempt‚ going back to 1958.
Etzebeth scored a try – his third in his 57th Test – for good measure. “Welcome to the best day of my life. The last 24 hours were unbelievable for me‚” said Etzebeth.
“We have a leadership group in the squad and we know exactly what we want on and off the field‚ so filling in for Warren was quite easy.
“We also have a good leadership group with Siya [Kolisi]‚ Elton [Jantjies] and Beast [Tendai Mtawarira] backing me, as well as the whole team. Everyone is a captain in their own position ultimately.
“This has probably been the best three weeks I’ve ever had with the Springboks, and everywhere we have been‚ the fans have been great.”
The bruising lock has been part of the Stormers’ leadership group over the past few seasons and this year he captained the side when regular skipper Siya Kolisi has been rested.
“Eben was the vice-captain‚ which was planned in our Plettenberg Bay camp already‚ so there was no confusion about who would lead the team when Warren [Whiteley] was withdrawn late‚” coach Allister Coetzee said.
Etzebeth’s captaincy period might be extended as well‚ depending on Whiteley’s medical assessments in the coming days.
Coetzee confirmed Whiteley has a “small tear” in his groin. Surgery might still be required. – TimesLIVE