Eben Etzebeth: Rugby Legend Tags Springboks Star as a ‘Fake Tough Guy’
- Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth has been tagged as a 'fake tough guy' by a former England international
- The Sharks FC star has been encountering disciplinary issues since his eye-gouging incident against Wales
- The comments from the Rugby legend sparked reactions from rugby lovers on social media
Former England international Joe Marler, during his career, built a reputation as one of rugby’s most outspoken and occasionally divisive figures. With that in mind, his latest remarks about Eben Etzebeth and Bakkies Botha are likely to be viewed by some as tongue-in-cheek rather than entirely literal.
Source: Getty Images
Nonetheless, his comments have generated significant debate online. Marler described Springbok centurion Etzebeth as a “fake tough guy,” while referring to 2007 World Cup winner Botha as a “world-class thug,” prompting strong reactions across social media platforms.
The statements were made during a ‘Most Feared’ bracket segment on the Hits Different show, co-hosted by Marler and his long-time England teammate, Danny Care.
Etzebeth’s standing is questioned
When Etzebeth’s name surfaced in the discussion around rugby’s most intimidating figures, Marler was quick to downplay the aura often associated with the towering lock.
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“He does a lot of what I used to do,” Marler remarked, implying that the aggressive edge is more performative than authentic.
He characterised Etzebeth’s on-field persona as largely theatrical, arguing that in the modern era, where officiating is strict and disciplinary systems are rigorous, genuine foul play carries heavy consequences. According to Marler, much of the intimidation is calculated gamesmanship rather than a true threat of physical harm.
Source: Getty Images
A different verdict for Botha
Marler struck a markedly different tone when discussing Botha, whom he ultimately selected as the most feared player in rugby history, albeit with a barbed compliment attached.
While downplaying Botha’s technical standing as a player, Marler emphasised the fear factor the former Springbok star brought to the pitch. He suggested that Botha operated in a tougher era of the sport, one where physical confrontation was frequently pushed, and sometimes crossed, legal boundaries.
“He wasn’t just intimidating — he thrived on unsettling opponents,” Marler suggested, adding that Botha’s reputation alone could rattle entire teams.
Marler concluded by stressing that his observations were rooted purely in the rugby context and competitive experience, not personal animosity.
Jonty Goslett wrote:
"How's THIS for a totally outlandish conspiracy theory: Joe Marler may be hoping that his comment about Eben Etzebeth being a 'fake tough guy' will motivate Eben to try and prove otherwise when the Boks play against England at Ellis Park on 4 July. And possibly end up getting red-carded, thus making life "easier" for Joe's former England teammates. I seriously doubt Eben would fall for something like that, though - especially after having just served a 12-week ban for foul play. As I said - a totally off-the-planet conspiracy theory, just for a laugh!!"
Riaan Scholtz commented:
"Only because Eben knows he is not allowed to bliksem you on the field. It is called restraint, not fake."
Brian Stockil reacted:
"Sure, maybe all bark no bite… but when he starts barking, you are running to the closest fence."
Wasief Adhikarie added:
"Ebens performance in a game is not AI-generated. Ask the victims 😂😂😂."
Enrico Nunes said:
"Let him tell it to Eben in person! Eben will give him one PK, and then he will feel how tough Eben really is!!!!"
Etienne Meyer shared:
"Would HE say it to Etzebeth's face?... Also, Rugby rules have changed so much, you get red-carded for a tackle these days."
Etzebeth criticises Springboks’ mindset
Briefly News previously reported that Etzebeth has opened up about the chaotic period in South African rugby that culminated in a staggering defeat to the All Blacks in 2016, pinpointing the behaviour of some teammates as a major issue.
After the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, the Springboks struggled under new head coach Allister Coetzee.
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Source: Briefly News
