Dirty? Who me? - Etzebeth

He has no anger issues and the idea that he is a dirty player is only a perception and far-fetched, insisted fiery Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth yesterday.

Etzebeth (below), a beast of a man at 2.04m and 117kg, is considered the enforcer and the man to create the spark in the Bok engine-room. The sparks could indeed fly in the first Test against France at Loftus Versfeld this weekend.

“I enjoy the physical part of the game but in all my games for the Stormers and Western Province (over six seasons) I have only received two yellow cards,” said Etzebeth, who at only 25 has already amassed 54 Bok Test caps since his 2012 debut against England.

Etzebeth has missed a large chunk of at least two Super Rugby campaigns due to ankle and calf injuries which has seen him playing just 42 Super Rugby games in those six years.

“I think I control my anger well enough and hopefully again on Saturday, but I will have seven other forwards around me who will also help me,” he said.

Etzebeth has often been caught in the middle of a scuffle, earning him the reputation of a fighter rather than a player.

“I think it’s a (wrong) perception that I’m a dirty player and not something I really take too much notice of,” he said.

Etzebeth said the French challenge is of major importance to him and to start the year well for the Boks.

“We are looking more at the French as a unit. They have a physical pack, so we have to front up in that regard, we are not singling out players, but as a whole.”

Springbok assistant coach Johann van Graan yesterday confirmed that injured loose forward Duane Vermeulen has been ruled out of the entire three-match series against France.

The 30-year-old hurt his shoulder on Sunday playing in the French Top 14 final for Toulon, who were beaten 22-16 by Clermont.