50-up Etzebeth in the thick of things

Cape Town - Eben Etzebeth was in the thick of things as the Springboks went down 23-17 to the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday. 

Playing in his 50th Test, the youngest South African to reach the milestone, Etzebeth was first out onto the turf as he was honoured by his team-mates at the start of the match. 

The Boks got off to a great start, scoring two first-half tries to go 14-3 up. 

Etzebeth was instrumental in his side's first try while he was dominant at lineout time and rock solid in his ball carrying and defence. 

But the wheels fell off for the Boks and Etzebeth in the second half. 

Within two minutes of the restart the towering 24-year-old was yellow carded for a professional foul as he failed to roll away after a tackle. 

Then, after he had returned to the fray, Etzebeth found himself in a bit of an 'argy-bargy' with some of the Wallabies players that cost him his shirt! 

Etzebeth was made to leave the field for a short while as a replacement No 4 jersey was found. 

Some of his team-mates, including Damian de Allende, took to Twitter after the match to congratulate Etzebeth on his milestone.

To this mountain of a man,you've been a great servant. I wish you many more my friend @EbenEtzebeth #50up #legend pic.twitter.com/mi1s8tH7IY

— Damian de allende (@Doogz) September 10, 2016