Colossal impact
20 Nov 2012
Eben Etzebeth had an outstanding first season of professional rugby.
In 2011, Etzebeth played for the University of Cape Town in the Varsity Cup. In 2012, he became a Springbok regular.
The second rower, who turned 21 on 29 October, was a deserved winner of the SA Young Player of the Year award. A product of the WP Rugby Institute, he had no problem making the step up to Super Rugby in February and his selection for the Springboks in June, for the Test series against England, was a no-brainer.
Etzebeth has inevitably drawn comparisons with former Bok lock Bakkies Botha, as both perform an enforcer-type role, but the Stormers lock has a calmness and measured aggression that Botha did not have at the same age.
It’s scary to think how good he could become.
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In the new issue of SA Rugby magazine, Saru high performance manager Rassie Erasmus explains why the Botha comparison makes him ‘uncomfortable’, what makes Etzebeth such an imposing player and why he doesn’t believe the youngster will stagnate.
Heyneke Meyer talks about what he likes about Etzebeth, the one thing that worries him about him, and why he came down hard on him following the Nathan Sharpe headbutt.
SA Rugby magazine also asks Etzebeth about his rookie season, the Botha comparison, the Sharpe headbutt, his Test preparations and his toughest opponent.
Also in the new issue:
– Pat Lambie insists he has not been frustrated during his time with the Springboks this year and is happy to play flyhalf or fullback
– The Springbok goal-kickers had failed to transfer their success on the training field to the high-pressure Test arena going into the end-of-year tour
– Central contracts: Why South Africa’s top players must be contracted to Saru and not to their provincial unions
– The Blitzboks made a promising start to the new sevens season
– Former Sharks scrumhalf Rory Kockott has let his rugby do the talking at French club Castres
– Jaque Fourie aims to resurrect his Springbok career in 2015 once he’s fulfilled his Japanese club obligations
– Former Springbok captain John Smit has a new lease on life since moving to Saracens
– Josh Strauss on his move to Glasgow, the possibility of playing for Scotland, and the Lions’ relegation from Super Rugby
– How Western Province beat the odds to win their first Currie Cup in 11 years
– How Alan Solomons revived Eastern Province rugby
– A band of rugby missionaries wants to grow rugby in Africa
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217 Comments
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20 Nov 2012, 09:25 am
Just hope they dont nail Eben for ‘ reckless play ‘ or something abstract like that…
20 Nov 2012, 09:26 am
@gunther-46:
Only way you understand sometimes.
Anyway lets move on.
Etzebeth, is he really that good and will he be the best in this era?
Thoughts Gunther……go
20 Nov 2012, 09:26 am
@WP-Forever-47: Ha ha, that will freak most of today’s “hard men” out to the extent that they have to be subbed.
20 Nov 2012, 09:27 am
@WP-Forever-47:
Those were the days.
20 Nov 2012, 09:27 am
@grant10-51:
Yeah me too. Considering he already has a ‘record’ so to speak, I think it may be a possibility.
20 Nov 2012, 09:28 am
@grant10-51: Ja something daft like a 1 week suspension, just enough to take him out of the mix for the game.
Having looked at the footage his hands did appear to make contact with the eye region. It was clearly not deliberate but there may be enough evidence for a bullshit ban like you said.
20 Nov 2012, 09:29 am
@Te Rangatira-16:
@Hurricane-26:
seriously guys…?
it speaks volumes that you come on here with such precious indignation that i simply expressed my opinion… which is what IMO means…
EMO, on the other hand darren, means OTT emotional irrationality…
should no south africans on a south african website express their opinions for fear of offending the fragile sensitivities of precious (not all just the precious ones) Kiwi rugby fans…? sheesh dudes… you let your countrymen down… so many being sincerely objective over the last few week or so… but you guys just have to burst into tears because i believe a young lock full of potential should be considered for the international player of the year…?
you guys are like greedy farken rabid dogs snarling over a pile of bones… you damn sure can’t chew on more than one at a time but are so busy snapping at any other dog that comes within smelling distance that you can’t even enjoy the bone you currently do chew on…
you guys have ALL the glory and All the trophies and ALL the best players and ALL the kudos and ALL the recognition and ALL most wonderful things that the good Lord put on this miraculous planet…
and you greedy attention seeking cry babies are concerned that i said I think eben should be the international player of the year…?
unfarkenbelievable…!!
what would make you precious sensitive girls happy… forgive me… i forgot you are entitled to demand every rugby accolade going and woe betide anyone who has the temerity to express support for their own national players…
International Player of the year nominees: Richard McCaw (New Zealand), Daniel Carter (New Zealand), Kieran Read (New Zealand), Israel Dagg (New Zealand) and Brodie Retalick (New Zealand)
and the award goes to Kieren Read…!!!
The Young Player of the Year: New Zealand Players (x 5)
Sevens Player of the Year: New Zealand Players (x 5)
Women’s Player of the Year: New Zealand Players (x 5)
Coach of the Year: New Zealand Coaches (x 5)
Team of the Year: New Zealand Coaches (x 5)
Would that be enough glory for you…? Would that stop you girls crying…???
Sheesh guys… i thought you were both intelligent reasonable rugby lovers…
but seems you can’t accept the possibility of any other national fan believing they have any players worthy of consideration…
okay… will file that away for future use and be careful not to wound your fragile psyches in future…
excuse long post please longpostpolicemen..
20 Nov 2012, 09:30 am
@Hurricane-52:
I’ve already given my thoughts on the matter.
If you weren’t so concerned with being a smartarse you would have read them.
As you were Shirley.
20 Nov 2012, 09:31 am
@nortierd-14: If our cover curse strikes for the fourth issue in a row we are putting Dan Carter or Richie McCaw on the next cover.
20 Nov 2012, 09:34 am
@ufo-57:
wow
way over the top that one.
All i did was disagree.
20 Nov 2012, 09:35 am
@gunther-58:
oh yes i found that one post…..very good gunther
20 Nov 2012, 09:36 am
@gunther-29:
exactly…
20 Nov 2012, 09:38 am
@ufo-57:
It’s always about them didn’t you get the memo?
20 Nov 2012, 09:38 am
@Hurricane-60:
not at all over the top… just contextualising your precious indignation…
you are losing perspective bud…
which is a serious pity…
20 Nov 2012, 09:39 am
@Simon-59:
And also photoshop Michael Clarke, Ponting and Hussey in there as well please
20 Nov 2012, 09:41 am
@gunther-63:
will put it on my pinboard…
@Hurricane-60:
i’m having a really good laugh about it…
you’re crying in your porridge…
who’s taking things waaay too seriously…?
20 Nov 2012, 09:44 am
@ufo-66:
Sorry, is this better?
@Te Rangatira-16:
Same.
We get blasted if we say McCaw is the best but a South African thats in his first year that has been banned already for foul play and looks to be cited again, i dont get it either.
No one is doubting that he has the goods to be a classy player….but hell, far from international player of the year……IMO….IMO…..IMO
20 Nov 2012, 09:45 am
@gunther-63:
Settle , already looking for backup. Fight ya own battle Thelma
20 Nov 2012, 09:52 am
@ufo-66:
“who’s taking things waaay too seriously…?”
Post #57 would be a good start
20 Nov 2012, 09:55 am
@Hurricane-67:
not much better at all…
try commenting on my comment without crying about the fact we don’t all kneel at the feet of your king richard…
hell give us your opinion for sure…
but leading with a cry about richie (who has won everything under the sun, special blessings from the dalai lama and the nobel prize for rugby superawesomeness) not getting universal support from every rugby lover on the planet reveals your post as more of a gripe than an opinion…
and then you are back off form with your next post…
gunther certainly wasn’t looking for back up…
should i write a post now about you being precious about non-new zealand rugby supporters having the temerity to agree with each other without it being a cry for help or a conspiracy…??
careful now…! i will…!!
20 Nov 2012, 09:57 am
Neither Richie or Eben are worthy of Player of the Year credits this year.
That honour goes to Juan Martine Hernandez Lobbe IMHO.(insert your candidates name here).
Ask 50 people, and you will get 50 different answers.
Bakkies will undoubtedly feel Morne Steyn would be unlucky not to win it….
20 Nov 2012, 09:59 am
@Hurricane-69:
YOU are bud…
i am gassing myself here… pure nitrous oxide…!!
there was no humour in your post at all… just a serious dour boring woe-R-us gripe…
20 Nov 2012, 10:01 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-71:
in your opinion of course…!
and yes, i do agree that juan martin should be one of the 5 nominees… and would be happy if he won it…
20 Nov 2012, 10:04 am
anyway…
have to saddle up the palomino…
the sun is going down…
later good people…
20 Nov 2012, 10:04 am
@ufo-73: of course IMHO
I also feel Pierre Spies deserves a mention. He contributed more to the Boks by sitting injured on the sidelines, than ANY player in the world contributed to their team by actually being on the field: IMHO of course…..
20 Nov 2012, 10:06 am
@ufo-70:
didnt say Richie was or deserves the player of the year, dont know where you got that from.All i said if we say he is the best and this happened recently it turns to war.
Anyway I dont think any kiwis should get player of the year as we played like more of a team, hard to pick individuals.
UFO, you may post what you like, it is a free blog and you are allowed to express your own views as i have.
20 Nov 2012, 10:07 am
@ufo-73:
well thats nice.
Pedigree gets an opinion but i get a fukn 50 line essay on what i didnt even say…. wow that bullshit….IMO
20 Nov 2012, 10:09 am
Oh dear.
Please no mass exodus.
If you insert (IMHO) It means “In my honest
opinion” I ask humbly that you all stay. E&OE
20 Nov 2012, 10:11 am
@Nikita-78:
WTG
ROTFLMNAO
OMG
WTF???
20 Nov 2012, 10:13 am
McCaw in my opinion is the greatest player ever to play.
Doesn’t mean he will get player of the year every year though, but his impact is there for all to see.
I just wonder how many caps he would have gotten if he was in SA, with size and weight being the 1st criteria when selecting a side
20 Nov 2012, 10:14 am
ILU2 Stormerboy. We don’t accept all forms of ge(morse) code.
20 Nov 2012, 10:16 am
@nortierd-80: If he was born in SA he would be of little importance, as he wouldn’t have gotten away with any of the **** he’s pulled over the years, he would have been seen as a penalty machine and marked by the refs. Blown out of the game. Dropped as a liability.
It’s only because he played for NZ that he is given the amount of rope that he has.
20 Nov 2012, 10:16 am
@Hurricane-77: Don’t worry Hurri. Kieran will win it – deservedly IMHFO offuckingcourse
20 Nov 2012, 10:18 am
@stormersboy-79:
STKB is used when referring to Lambie only.
20 Nov 2012, 10:18 am
@nortierd-80:
hehe
Yes he may not have been in the correct weight class for a #7.
Anyway i dont know where UFO or anyone else got the RM should get player of the year.
I never said that but seems people love changing what others say.
20 Nov 2012, 10:20 am
@stormersboy-82:
hahaha
Lets try Christian Cullen.
He would have been dropped…..too small and kicking was not his strength
20 Nov 2012, 10:20 am
Why is their no Etzebeth citing thread.
His been accused of eye gouging during the Scotland test.
What is Ryan actually doing in the UK for farksakes.
20 Nov 2012, 10:22 am
@The Sharks rugby pedigree is packaged as dog food-83:
I get it, you used the IMHO….i used IMO…lol
Come back UFO….IMHO i am sorry
20 Nov 2012, 10:23 am
@Jeraldjay-87:
Seriuosly, i think there shouldnt be one. As i said the view we have of it looks reckless but harmless. Grabbing people around the face and moving hand across face is asking for a review but this looks to be a nothing.
20 Nov 2012, 10:25 am
@Jeraldjay-87:
It’s called Etsebeth in the dock. Just look a bit closer.
20 Nov 2012, 10:25 am
@stormersboy-82:
I don’t know about that one.
Playing so long at that level and with the same consistency, takes something special.
Any flanker, or player, knows they must push the boundaries, yet he is in a class of his own.
When we find a player in that mould, we quickly tire of him, eg. Brussouw and even Flo, who first had to leave before we saw his worth.
You are right in saying he would have gotten pinged more, but he would have adapted and still would have been a force
20 Nov 2012, 10:29 am
@Hurricane-88: Correct
Nothing that a bit of humble can’t fix.
@nortierd-91: Agree with you. A once in a generation player. Personally I feel privileged to have been able to watch the man play for so many years. (Love him, hate him, slate him, rate him – it has been a pleasure or a pain *depending on what side of the fence one sits*)
20 Nov 2012, 10:31 am
Hurricane…
didn’t run away… am working…
now waiting for a late arrival at a meeting… am on mobile so can’t hit the replies…
@85 “i dont know where UFO or anyone else got the RM should get player of the year”
@2 i said eben would be my Int Player of Year.
@26 you said “We get blasted if we say McCaw is the best but a South African thats in his first year that has been banned already for foul play and looks to be cited again,”
so you ask who, how or where richie got brought into it…???
by YOU Hurricane… you! with more than a little dose of woe-R-us…
the difference between yours and pedigree’s posts was her’s was woe-R-us lite… yours was hi-cal full-cream woe-R-us…
gotta go now…
20 Nov 2012, 10:31 am
@Hurricane-89:
He got a week for agreeing to a comment made by Nathan Sharpe.
So I don’t trust these disciplinary committee’s.
20 Nov 2012, 10:31 am
@Nikita-78:
Come back from dinner and see Ufo going off. Not getting it…but still like that guy.
20 Nov 2012, 10:33 am
@Te Rangatira-95:
sorry meant for Hurricane
20 Nov 2012, 10:35 am
@Hurricane-89:
The only thing that might count against him is he was looking directly at the players face when his hand made contact.
Don’t know if that makes a difference if they try to prove intent
20 Nov 2012, 10:37 am
@Hurricane-86: Like Breyton Paulse, Gio Aplon, guys like that?
20 Nov 2012, 10:39 am
@ufo-93:
Listen, read it carefully,i didnt say Richie was player of the year…get it?
So slowly, read post 85
I was stating that when we say RM is the best, that is not allowed.
Again i didnt say RM should get player of the year….we good now?
20 Nov 2012, 10:40 am
@stormersboy-98:
Yeah guys like that
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