KEEN FOR GOOD YEAR WITH BOKS

EBEN Etzebeth’s laser-guided glaze took on a dangerous glint when asked about last year’s Springbok season.

He has been trying to block it from his mind.

Being reminded of the lowlights makes him bristle.

For the proud Bok lock‚ the memories of losing eight out of 12 test matches and witnessing a humiliating Bok loss to Italy while on the injured list have fuelled his desire and his anger.

He demands improvement from himself and his team.

“[2016] was the worst season in my rugby career and one that I want to forget‚ but I can’t‚” Etzebeth said.

“I want to have a chance to get it right for the Boks, but that will have to wait until June.”

Etzebeth opted against a short-term Japanese club contract from November to February, to ensure he was in peak fitness for this year.

There is much to rectify and atone for‚ not only with the Boks at test level‚ but also with the Stormers in Super Rugby.

The Cape Town franchise made the playoffs last year but were smashed 60-21 in a home quarterfinal by the Chiefs.

It was a bitter way to end a campaign that never amounted to much, despite qualifying for the post-season.

Etzebeth‚ 25‚ is critical to the Stormers’ cause for the coming season – nearly as vital to the Springboks’ hopes of turning their fortunes around.

The Stormers open their account against the Bulls at Newlands on Saturday evening in the traditional northsouth derby.

It also marks the beginning of a potentially tough Super Rugby campaign featuring five matches against New Zealand franchises.

“[All SA sides] need to be better in Super Rugby to help the Boks later in the year‚” he said.

“I know we have picked up our intensity at training at the Stormers with better fitness and improved skills.

“But those are just words – we need to prove it with our actions, and on Saturday we’ll get a measurement of where we are.”