Etzebeth Aims to Turn Boks' Luck Against Ireland

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth expresses eagerness for showdown against Ireland

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth is looking forward to Saturday’s highly anticipated match against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, describing it as a “nice opportunity” to alter their fortunes in Dublin, where their last Test victory occurred in 2012.

The two teams recently faced each other in South Africa during the Castle Lager Incoming Series in July 2024, splitting the series with one win each. However, Etzebeth highlighted that facing Ireland at their home ground presents a different challenge against a “great team.”

“They’ve been in the top three of the world rankings for the last couple of years, so they are a quality outfit and we are looking forward to this game,” stated Etzebeth, who added to his Test cap tally, reaching 139, in a recent match against France.

“When we received the calendar at the beginning of the year, this fixture stood out, so we’re excited. It’s going to be a good match. We haven’t won here in a while, so it’s a nice opportunity for us.”

He downplayed the notion that their previous 19-16 defeat in Dublin in 2022 would serve as motivation for revenge, asserting, “This is a completely different challenge. That was over a year and a half ago. A lot can happen in rugby in one week, and many things have changed since then.”

Regarding the influence of Irish-based players RG Snyman and Jean Kleyn, as well as Springbok assistant coaches Felix Jones and Jerry Flannery—both of whom have Test experience with Ireland—Etzebeth acknowledged their valuable insights. However, he maintained that the Springboks would not be outsmarted.

“We have quite a few foreigners in our management group, but we don’t see them as such – we see them as part of the Springboks, and we get along very well with all of them,” he said.

“And obviously, guys like RG and Jean have more insight into the Irish, but it’s professional rugby, and Ireland will be smart and probably change a few things.”

The Springboks commenced their on-field preparations for the match on Monday afternoon. The Test will kick off at 19h40 (SA time) and will be streamed live and exclusively on SuperSport.