‘It is the ultimate Test,’ says Eben Etzebeth about Boks-All Blacks decider
The Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Test series between the Springboks and All Blacks comes to its conclusion in the USA on Saturday.
Eben Etzebeth, the Springboks' leading all-time Test centurion, spoke highly of the upcoming fourth and final Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore, USA. The 145-times capped Bok lock explained that every Test match, playing in the green and gold jersey, is special. He added that the rivalry between the two teams is intense and significant for both sides.
The Boks currently hold a 2-1 series lead after recovering from the loss of the opener at Ellis Park, having won their back-to-back matches in Cape Town and Soweto. The revival of traditional tours between these two most successful rugby teams has been a resounding success. Etzebeth expressed that this particular match is particularly special as it is the decider - whether they win the series or end up with a draw, it is a massive Test match.
Both teams are considered the best in world rugby at the moment, having shared the last five World Cup titles and the last nine Rugby Championship titles. They are currently ranked so close to each other that the All Blacks briefly topped the rankings after beating the Boks at Ellis Park, only for the hosts to reclaim the top spot a week later.
The Boks are eager to secure a win in this decider, while the All Blacks will be desperate to level the series. With the next Rugby Championship series set to take place in New Zealand under the same format in 2030, both teams hope to finish their first traditional tour since 1996 on a high, in front of a large crowd in Baltimore.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
