Victor Matfield Makes Huge Eben Etzebeth Claim After All Blacks Victory

• Eben Etzebeth produced the kind of performance that caught the attention of a Springbok legend during a high-pressure clash in Cape Town
• The experienced lock played a significant role as the Springboks found a way to put the All Blacks under pressure in a crucial part of the match
• Victor Matfield has now explained what stood out about Etzebeth’s performance and why it left such a strong impression

Eben Etzebeth has earned another major endorsement from Springbok legend Victor Matfield after his influential performance against the All Blacks in Cape Town on Saturday, 29 August 2026.

South Africa levelled the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series with a 33-26 victory, with Etzebeth making his presence felt at the lineout.

Speaking on the Rugby Rivals podcast, Matfield praised the 34-year-old lock for producing when the pressure was high.

“At lineout time he was outstanding,” Matfield said as reported by SA Rugby Magazine.

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“His work rate was just unbelievable, and that’s the Eben we know.”

Victor Matfield praises Springbok lock

Etzebeth made his presence felt at the lineout, disrupting 3 All Blacks attacking throws and securing 5 balls for the Springboks. Matfield said the display was even more impressive given the doubts that had surrounded the lock’s form after limited game time.

Matfield explained that Etzebeth had faced pressure in South Africa, with questions being raised over whether he was playing enough and whether he had returned to his best. However, the former Bok lock said Etzebeth answered those doubts with his performance.

He added that it was particularly important for one of South Africa’s most experienced players to deliver in a match carrying so much pressure.

Etzebeth earns huge Springbok praise

Matfield, himself renowned for his lineout expertise, also explained how South Africa targeted New Zealand’s attacking throws.

He ultimately summed up Etzebeth’s contribution with a remarkable assessment:

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“He just showed why he’s probably the best Springbok of all time.”

The victory leaves the series level and adds further weight to Etzebeth’s importance to the Springboks.

Eben Etzebeth’s Springbok return set the stage for Cape Town heroics

Briefly News previously reported that Eben Etzebeth’s return to the Springboks came after a difficult period that kept the veteran lock away from Test rugby for almost 10 months.

His comeback came after a 12-match suspension and a subsequent head knock disrupted his return to international rugby. Rassie Erasmus later backed him, praising his physical contribution on his return.

Source: Briefly News