Eben Etzebeth Opens Up on Springboks' Mental Shift After Ellis Park Defeat to All Blacks
- Eben Etzebeth revealed how the Springboks drew on past adversity to respond after losing the opening Test to New Zealand at Ellis Park
- The veteran lock pointed to the team's experience in previous World Cups and the British and Irish Lions series as key to their turnaround
- South Africa now lead the Greatest Rivalry series 2-1 heading into a winner-takes-all decider in Baltimore on 12 September
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Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth has spoken candidly about the mindset shift that allowed the World Champions to recover from their opening loss to New Zealand and take control of the Greatest Rivalry series.
The All Blacks defeated South Africa at Ellis Park on 22 August 2026, marking a significant early setback for the Springboks. The hosts responded with consecutive Test victories in Cape Town and Soweto to lead the series 2-1, setting up a decider in Baltimore on 12 September 2026.
Previous hardship shaped Boks' response
Etzebeth, the most capped Springbok in history, credited both the playing group and coaching staff for pulling together when it mattered most.
The Springboks understood the significance of the series and the importance of responding after their defeat in the opening Test. Etzebeth said the squad drew on its previous experience of high-pressure campaigns to put itself in a position to claim the series.
“The players and coaching staff knew what was on the line; it's a special series against the All Blacks, being the first time in 30 years. We obviously want to win it, and we knew we had to dig deep in the second and third Tests to get into the position to do so.”
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Etzebeth Embraces Baltimore Decider
Etzebeth is also looking forward to experiencing a different setting when the Springboks face the All Blacks in Baltimore.
The fourth Test will take place on neutral American soil, giving the veteran lock his first taste of playing in the United States. Etzebeth believes the occasion could also help introduce more American fans to rugby, with the country set to host the 2031 Rugby World Cup.
“It's my first time in America, and also with the World Cup in 2031, they're trying to grow the game in the country. This Test match is definitely a good start in doing so.”
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Source: Briefly News
