‘We can’t demand or point too many fingers’ - Springbok star calls on teammates to make a difference

Eben Etzebeth has called on his fellow countrymen to pull together in an effort to make a real stamp on the Champions Cup, claiming the “biggest club competition in the world” isn’t understood in South Africa.

“We as players, especially the guys who’ve played up in Europe, understand how big this competition is. It’s massive for us,” Etzebeth told The Times in a recent interview.

“I do believe players that haven’t been abroad and who’ve always plied their trade in South Africa don’t understand the meaning and the value of this competition yet. No disrespect, but I also think the South African fans don’t realise the magnitude of this competition yet either.

“It is, for me, by far the biggest club competition in the world. I’m sure over the years the South African fans will start to realise how big it is and how big it is to win this competition. If you win it, you get a star on your jersey. I mean, that is quite massive.”

When the South African sides were introduced to what was traditionally a European competition in 2022, there was plenty of unrest from fans and disapproval from rugby traditionalists, claiming that the game was being altered too much. Players on both sides of the coin have also cited the increased travel arrangements as a major stumbling block for the coalition. The record Springbok cap holder has no qualms about the increase competition, however, stating:

“I understand why players in Europe might get annoyed because obviously South Africa is not part of Europe and we obviously now give those teams a few extra hours of travel.

“But, for me, the game goes on. People need to adapt to new things and new ideas and new competitions. So, if they complain, it doesn’t bother me. I do understand why they complain. But for us as South Africans, it’s nice to be a part of it, and it will be great if a South African team can win it shortly.”

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Since arriving on the scene, the African sides have struggled to make an impact on the competition, failing to proceed past the quarter-final stage in either of their attempts. So according to Etzebeth, what needs to change?

“We’re the new guys,” he explained. “We have to adapt to what we’re given by whoever is in control. We can’t demand or point too many fingers. If we keep on complaining about the travel, then no South African team will ever win it. The first team who’s going to be the most adaptable will probably have a chance of winning it.”

“It’s difficult to be on a southern hemisphere schedule [for international matches] and, on a club level, a northern hemisphere schedule. We’ll never really get rest unless we get pulled from club games and have a proper rest for four or five weeks.”

Having won two World Cups and multiple personal accolades, many will argue that the giant Springbok has had an incredibly successful career, but at the club level, Etzebeth still feels there is more to come.

“I don’t think I’ve been that successful at club level, winning too many trophies. I would love to be a bit more successful with the Sharks, whether that’s in Europe or the URC.

“Personally, I want to stay on top of my game for as long as possible and not get thrown out of the system because you’re not good enough any more. That’s always the biggest motivation, to be part of the team and to be selected and not let a young guy come through and take your position.”