Etzebeth: Boks won’t change style despite red card woes

The Springboks’ most experienced player, Eben Etzebeth, says his teammates are unlikely to alter their approach after a spate of red cards on their European tour.

The Boks face a crunch clash against archrivals Ireland on Saturday in Dublin, and the 139-cap veteran suggested that the team cannot afford to play cautiously out of fear of officiating.

“I don’t think it will affect our game too much; we must keep being aware of level change,” he said.

“You feel that if you level change, you should be safe and get the benefit of the doubt. For me personally, I will keep playing the game I play, and I think the other locks will do the same.”

Lood de Jager is awaiting an appeal hearing regarding the four-week suspension he received from the France match, while Franco Mostert’s hearing for his red card against Italy will take place on Tuesday or Wednesday.

If neither has success, Etzebeth says the lock stocks are sufficient to carry the team through the final two matches of the tour, which concludes against Wales next week.

“Luckily, Rassie picked six locks in the squad. We don’t know what is going to happen with Lood and Franco. There are still myself, Jean Kleyn, Ruan Nortje, and RG Snyman, while Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ben Jason Dixon can cover lock.”

When asked if the Boks had come to Dublin seeking revenge after losing four of their last five matches against Ireland, Etzebeth downplayed the idea.

“I’m not one for going back in time and watching past games for motivation,” he said. “Playing Ireland here in Dublin is a very different challenge to that series in South Africa. That was a year and a half ago. A lot can happen in rugby in a week, and that game was a long time ago.”

That said, Etzebeth acknowledged the significance of a win over the Irish.

“Ireland are a great team; they have been in the top three of the world rankings for several years. They are a top-quality side. I am looking forward to this fixture after a long wait because when we looked at the calendar at the beginning of the year, this fixture stood out.”

Etzebeth also highlighted the importance of competition within the squad in keeping players sharp.

“The coaching staff ensures there will never be complacency. No one in this team will ever feel safe.

"We know we have to keep performing to make the 23 that plays on the weekend. That plays a big role.

"Also, we players keep each other accountable; we try not to ever slack off in practice, and never get arrogant. We respect each team and prepare fully so that we are in the best position to perform well.”