Eager Eben can’t wait

Ken Borland

Cape Town – A Springbok rugby Test in Cape Town has generally been an annual event, but the last time they hosted their greatest foes, New Zealand, at Newlands was back in 2008 when the All Blacks won 19-0 on a sopping wet day.

Since then, South Africa have played six official Tests and two matches against World XVs, winning seven of those games. The only loss came in their last appearance at Newlands, when they went down 26-20 to 14-man Ireland last June in Allister Coetzee’s first Test in charge.

The All Blacks haven’t been given a Newlands Test since 2008 due to the behaviour – and the sheer number – of fans supporting them and being hostile towards the home side.

But for captain Eben Etzebeth (above), there is no question today’s game against the All Blacks is a special occasion, no matter how many people will be supporting the opposition as he leads the Springboks for the first time in front of his home crowd.

“It’s going to be an unbelievable feeling captaining the Springboks at Newlands in front of my family, it’s always a great honour and privilege to run out in front of the team. I really enjoy the captaincy, there’s not really anything I don’t like about it, and you have all your team-mates and coaches around you and supporting you.

“We know the All Blacks will have a lot of support, but we’ve prepared for that and we’ve got the team, the management and the plans to beat them. So we are all looking forward to the game. We just need to hold on to the ball a bit longer and make sure we score points,” Etzebeth said.

The All Blacks are currently lords of all they survey in world rugby and Etzebeth and the Springboks need to shake off the scarring from the wreckage of their 57-0 hammering the last time they met.

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