Rugby Championship: Etzebeth expresses faith in Bok debutants

Looking at the two line-ups that will be taking to the field at Ellis Park, where the Springboks take on the Wallabies in the Rugby Championship opener, one wouldn’t be too misguided in predicting a mismatch, but the hosts’ stand-in skipper Eben Etzebeth is adamant the men who will be pulling on the green jumper will be up for the challenge.

Bok coach Rassie Erasmus has handed two uncapped players run-on debuts in the encounter, with another rookie starting from bench.

This, in a team that is a mixed bag of veterans and inexperienced players, with many of the latter returning to the fray after some time out in the wilderness.

The men from Down Under, on the other hand, have gone with their strongest team possible, with more big guns waiting on the bench.

No anxiety over inexperienced Boks

However, Etzebeth has expressed faith in the dirt trackers, who will be carrying the nation’s hopes, while the first team prepares for the All Blacks in New Zealand.

“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.”

Eben Etzebeth

Rugby Championship test for trio

The men set to debut on Saturday are Toulouse utility forward Rynhardt Elstadt, who has been penned in at openside, and Stormers scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies, while Bulls prop Lizo Gqoboka could come in as a front-row replacement later on.

Etzebeth, who will be containing the Boks for the 12th time, is relishing the prospect of lining up alongside the latest additions to setup.

“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 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.”

Eben Etzebeth

This will be the first Rugby Championship clash played in Johannesburg between the two sides. The Springboks last played Australia at Ellis Park in 2008, beating them convincingly to end up on the right side of a 53-8 scoreline.

Kick-off on Saturday is at 17:05.