Etzebeth set to become Springboks’ most capped player

Springboks’ enforcer Eben Etzebeth is set to become the most internationally capped player for South Africa after being named to start in the final round of the Rugby Championship game against Argentina this weekend.

Etzebeth will play his 128th Test for the Boks and surpass former teammate Victor Matfield who has 127 caps under his name before retiring.

Coach Rassie Erasmus has spoken highly of Etzebeth’s achievement saying this is a massive achievement for the lock and they will want to make this weekend’s decider a special and memorable occasion for him.

Erasmus says if they can win the title it would be a massive occasion for the team and Etzebeth as an individual.

Meanwhile, Erasmus has made a total of 9 changes to take on the Los Pumas on Sunday morning with Siya Kolisi returning to captain the side.

The other changes see Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese returning to the back row, Jaden Hendrikse comes in at scrum half, Manni Libbok starts at fly-half, Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse return at wings, Damian de Allende starts at midfield with Aphelele Fassi returning to fullback.

South Africa XV: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Reserves: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Handre Pollard , 23 Lukhanyo Am

The Springboks will take on Argentina at 3am this Sunday.