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Etzebeth dismisses talk of 'B-team Boks'

Cape Town - Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth shrugged off any suggestion of a second string line-up for Saturday’s Rugby Championship match against Australia at Ellis Park when he gave his captain’s media conference on Friday. 

The big lock will lead a squad featuring a Springbok centurion, three half centurions and five more players with more than 35 caps, including players who have claimed the SA Rugby Player of the Year award in three of the last four years. 

“We all have a responsibility when we pull on that jersey and that lies with the 23 in South Africa as much as anyone else,” said Etzebeth. 

“There’s not much difference between the guys who are here and the ones on their way to New Zealand. I don’t think the team could have been picked much stronger. This is a very strong team we have picked, and I have a lot of confidence in them for tomorrow’s Test.” 

Etzebeth said that there was competition for every position in the squad before welcoming the three debutants, Rynhardt Elstadt (loose forward), Herschel Jantjies (scrumhalf) and Lizo Gqoboka (replacement prop). 

“I’d like to congratulate them and say how much we’re looking forward to seeing them play,” said Etzebeth. 

“I don’t think I need to say too much about Rynhardt – he is very tough. I’ve never played against him but those who have tell me that he is quite a tough nut. 

“I asked Herschel a few weeks ago what he was doing this time last year and he said he was in and out of the Currie Cup mix. I asked him if he ever wondered if he would be playing of the Springbok and in with a chance of going to the World Cup a year later and he said, ‘no way’. 

“I’ve seen him grow at the DHL Stormers, he proved what a good rugby player he is and a great scrumhalf and I must say I enjoy his company quite a lot off the field as well.” 

Etzebeth leads the team for the 12th time: “It’s a massive honour, great to be running out in front once again but it’s not about me. There’s lots of guys who have got my back – guys such as Francois Louw, ‘Beast’ (Tendai Mtawarira) and others who have lots of experience. 

“I’m really looking forward to it.” 

The match kicks off at 17:05.

Teams:

South Africa

15 Warrick Gelant, 14 S'bu Nkosi, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Francois Louw, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Rynhardt Elstadt, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain), 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Tendai Mtawarira

Substitutes: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 Lizo Gqoboka, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Marvin Orie, 20 Marcell Coetzee, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Frans Steyn, 23 Dillyn Leyds

Australia

15 Tom Banks , 14 Dane Haylett-Petty, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Samu Kerevi, 11 Reece Hodge, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nic White, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 5 Rory Arnold, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Folau Fainga’a, 1 James Slipper

Substitutes: 16 Jordan Uelese, 17 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Rob Simmons, 20 Jack Dempsey, 21 Will Genia, 22 Matt To’omua, 23 Kurtley Beale

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