In 2011, Matfield met a 19-year-old Etzebeth at his book launch. He signed a copy for the youngster, who was playing at under-19 level for Western Province, and told him: 'Eben, I think you can be a Springbok next year.' Etzebeth replied that he was thinking of playing for the Stormers first. However, the following year then Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer selected Etzebeth as a 20-year-old to debut against England in 2012.
This story is from the October 13, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
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This story is from the October 13, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
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