Etzebeth set to become most capped Springbok in title decider

Lock Eben Etzebeth is set to become the most capped South African international of all time in the Rugby Championship decider against Argentina in Nelspruit on Saturday as the Springboks also offer a rare start to flyhalf Manie Libbok.

Etzebeth is preparing to play in his 128th test and move one ahead of previous record holder and former second row Victor Matfield as South Africa seek the point they need to claim the southern hemisphere championship for the fifth time.

They would have done so already had Libbok not missed a late penalty from in front of the posts during last weekend’s 29-28 defeat in Argentina that leaves the latter within five points of the Springboks in second place in the table.

Argentina must win with a try-scoring bonus-point and deny South Africa any points to claim their first Rugby Championship title.

But Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has brought back his experienced players for Saturday’s fixture after making 10 changes for the previous game.

Cheslin Kolbe returns on the wing, Damian de Allende at inside centre, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Siya Kolisi on the flank, Etzebeth starts in the second row, Frans Malherbe is at prop and Bongi Mbonambi starts at hooker.

“As a former Springbok, I can attest to what a massive achievement it will be for Eben to become the most capped Springbok ever, and we want to make this a special and memorable occasion for him,” Erasmus says.