Why Springboks Opted to Rest Eben Etzebeth Against the All Blacks?
Springbok assistant coach Duane Vermeulen has shed light on the surprising omission of veteran lock Eben Etzebeth. He has been excluded from the matchday squad for Saturday’s Rugby Championship showdown against New Zealand in Wellington.
Etzebeth, 33, a cornerstone of the Bok pack with 136 caps, is rested as part of a long-term management plan. Despite the magnitude of the fixture, Vermeulen insists the decision was made with the player’s well-being in mind.
Key Absences and Bold Selections
Etzebeth is not the only notable absentee, with experienced backs Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende also left out. The Bok management has opted to back several less experienced players against their fiercest rivals. This signals a calculated gamble in one of the most high-stakes matches of the season.
Replacing Etzebeth in the starting XV is Lood de Jager, traditionally a No. 5 lock, while Ruan Nortjé retains his spot after starting in last weekend’s defeat to the All Blacks in Auckland. RG Snyman will provide cover from the bench.
Etzebeth has featured heavily this year, playing in five of South Africa’s seven Tests, and Vermeulen emphasized the importance of balancing his workload.
Also read: Rassie Erasmus Unveils Springboks’ New Strategy Against All Blacks
Vermeulen on Etzebeth’s Rest
“You can’t play Eben every single game – he’s going to burn out, and we still want him around for a couple more years,” Vermeulen explained at a press briefing.
“We need a bit of rotation. Ruan and Lood have shown they can handle big occasions. Last year, when we had lock injuries, Ruan stepped up and performed well. Of course, it looks a bit unusual having two No. 5 locks starting, but they understand their roles and how to approach the game. This will be a great test for them.”
Addressing Breakdown Concerns
One of the key talking points from last week’s loss at Eden Park was South Africa’s struggle at the breakdown, with New Zealand disrupting possession and stifling the Bok attack.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus acknowledged the All Blacks’ excellence in that area, but Vermeulen played down concerns, suggesting the issue was exaggerated.
“They only had two steals and one counter-ruck in the whole game. In an 80-minute test, I don’t think that’s a major issue,” Vermeulen argued. “Yes, they applied pressure, but it’s not like it completely exposed us. Our focus is on improving the overall game rather than singling out one area.”
Also read: South Africa vs New Zealand: Everything You Need to Know Ahead of the Test
High Stakes at the “Cake Tin”
The Boks head into the clash under pressure after their defeat in Auckland, knowing a victory in Wellington is crucial to keeping their Rugby Championship hopes alive. While Etzebeth’s absence may raise eyebrows, Vermeulen remains confident that the depth of the squad will shine through in one of rugby’s fiercest rivalries.
