Eben amped for ‘ultimate’ ending

Eben Etzebeth says Saturday’s fourth Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore will be “massive” for the Springboks as they seek to secure a 3-1 series win. SIMON BORCHARDT reports.

The world champions effectively wrapped up the three-Test series on South African soil with a 29-24 victory at FNB Stadium last Saturday, having recovered from defeat in the opener to take a 2-1 lead.

But they need another win at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday to claim both halves of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry trophy, which will be shared between the teams if the All Blacks level the series at 2-2.

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Etzebeth, who has been involved in numerous epic encounters with New Zealand during his Test career, is relishing the opportunity to settle the series in the USA.

“Every Test match, when you put the green and gold jersey on, it’s special,” he said on Wednesday. “Every time we play the All Blacks, we know the rivalry and what it means to them as well as to us.

‘This one is very special. It’s obviously the decider, whether we actually win the series or it ends up in a draw. It’s a massive Test match for us and we’re really excited for this weekend.

“I think it’s an amazing time we’re living in, to be able to play a Test match series against New Zealand, four in a row. I think it’s the ultimate test for a rugby player to play against them and to do it four weekends in a row …

“It’s been tough, it’s been some bruising battles, but I think that’s what we all want to do and we love every second of it.”

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Etzebeth is getting back to his best after a frustrating period that began with a 12-week suspension for an eye-gouge against Wales last November.

The 34-year-old returned for the Sharks in April, but a hip injury and recurring concussion symptoms kept him sidelined before a training-ground head knock ruled him out of the Nations Championship in July.

He returned against Argentina in early August and has since started all three Tests against the All Blacks, playing 73, 80 and 56 minutes respectively.

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Etzebeth will start again in Baltimore on Saturday, earning a record-extending 146th Bok cap.

“It was a bit frustrating, obviously not getting a lot of rugby under my belt,” he said. “It was just nice to be back. It was nice to play the first Test against Argentina again, and then a full 80.

“Obviously, the last couple of games against New Zealand as well, but ja, just glad to be back on the park again and playing some rugby.

“It was tough to watch the guys from the side, obviously in the mix for that England game and then I had to withdraw in the week. But ja, great to be back.”

Photo: Johan Orton/Gallo Images