Eben Etzebeth has dismissed speculation about imminent retirement, insisting his hunger for the Springboks No 4 jersey burns as fiercely as ever. The World Cup-winning lock, long a totem of South African physicality, made clear he has more miles to run at Test level.
Still hungry, still snarling
Etzebeth’s message is simple: the day will come, but not now. His presence remains a barometer for the Boks—line-out menace, ruck accuracy, and a confrontational edge that sets the tone. When he speaks about standards, the dressing room listens.
Leadership in the engine room
Beyond collisions and contests in the air, he is central to the Bok’s calling and cohesion up front. The veteran’s refusal to look beyond the next task will reassure supporters that the pack’s heartbeat isn’t fading.
The curtain falls for everyone eventually. Etzebeth’s is still a long way from the final act.
