'I love you': Kolisi celebrates best friend Etzebeth

Today at 02:49 PM

Siya Kolisi paid tribute his teammate and close friend Eben Etzebeth with an emotion-filled speech after the Springboks’ victory over Argentina in Mbombela on Saturday.

Etzebeth moved above Victor Matfield to standalone at the Springboks’ outright most capped player ever with 128 Test appearances.

And as a result, he was rewarded with an 80-minute shift against Los Pumas. And by the end of the game, stats confirmed that he made 14 running metres from seven carries coupled with 10 tackles (the second most after fellow lock Ruan Nortje, who made 11) to help the Springboks to a commanding 48-7 win.

Despite having just led the Springboks to the Rugby Championship title, Kolisi selflessly dedicated his post-match speech to Etzebeth and what he had just accomplished as an individual.

"I want to say, to my best friend, my eerste beste pel, Eben Etzebeth, yster, my brother, I am so grateful that I have walked this journey with you," Kolisi said.

WATCH THE REST OF KOLISI’S PASSIONATE ODE TO ETZEBETH

BIG OCCASION FOR BIG MAN

Earlier in the day, Etzebeth was given the honour of running out onto the field ahead of the rest of the Springbok team and he was joined by his wife Anlia and their infant daughter — both dressed in green and white — as a fire lit with spelling 'Eben 128' to highlight his achievement.

Once his family left the field and he was lined up with his teammates for the anthems, a visibly emotional Etzebeth couldn't contain the teams, which were streaming down his face by the time the anthem was being sung. 

IS EBEN THE GREATEST SPRINGBOK OF ALL TINE

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this Eben Etzebeth and Springboks related article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.