Eben Etzebeth Poised to Match Victor Matfield’s Record for Most Springbok Test Caps During Argentina Clash in Santiago

This Saturday, 21 September, Eben Etzebeth is poised to tie Victor Matfield’s record for Springbok Test caps when he takes the field against Argentina in Santiago.

Etzebeth was included in coach Rassie Erasmus’s 28-man squad for the match, which kicks off at 23:00 (SA time).

The Record Holder: Victor Matfield

Currently, Victor Matfield holds the record for the most Springbok Test caps with 127.

Etzebeth is close behind with 126, surpassing former wing Bryan Habana, who has 124.

With the Springboks scheduled to play four more Tests in 2024 after this clash, Etzebeth is on track to become the most-capped Springbok before the year ends, provided he remains injury-free.

Potential for a New Record

Etzebeth might break the record in the Rugby Championship fixture against Argentina on 28 September at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

Given that he will turn 33 in late October, he still has plenty of time to add to his tally.

Springboks with 80 or More Tests

Here’s a look at the Springboks who have played 80 or more Tests before the Argentina tour:

• Victor Matfield: 127 Tests, 7 tries
• Eben Etzebeth: 126 Tests, 6 tries
• Bryan Habana: 124 Tests, 67 tries
• Tendai Mtawarira: 117 Tests, 2 tries
• John Smit: 111 Tests, 8 tries
• Jean de Villiers: 109 Tests, 27 tries
• Percy Montgomery: 102 Tests, 25 tries
• Willie le Roux: 97 Tests, 15 tries
• Joost van der Westhuizen: 89 Tests, 38 tries
• Ruan Pienaar: 88 Tests, 8 tries
• Siya Kolisi: 88 Tests, 11 tries
• Schalk Burger: 86 Tests, 16 tries
• Bakkies Botha: 85 Tests, 7 tries
• Damian De Allende: 84 Tests, 11 tries
• Steven Kitshoff: 83 Tests, 2 tries
• Pieter-Steph du Toit: 83 Tests, 9 tries
• Os du Randt: 80 Tests, 5 tries

Note: Active players are marked with an asterisk.

Springbok Squad for Argentina Tour

Here’s the squad that will be heading to Argentina:

• Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Vincent Koch (Sharks), Ox Nche (Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls)
• Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears)
• Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Bulls)
• Loose Forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (Stormers), Siya Kolisi (Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks)
• Utility Forward: Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Bulls)
• Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Sharks)
• Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers)
• Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles)
• Outside Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks)
• Utility Back: Canan Moodie (Bulls)

What’s next for Etzebeth and the Springboks? Keep an eye on their upcoming matches to see how records are set and history is made.