When it comes to rugby’s modern enforcers, Eben Etzebeth sits in a class of his own. With 132 Springbok caps and two Rugby World Cup titles already secured, the 33-year-old lock is carving out a legacy that places him among the greatest of all time.
At 6ft 8in and over 19 stone, Etzebeth is South Africa’s heaviest player — yet his athleticism is every bit as jaw-dropping as his size. His 19-inch biceps are almost the width of a rugby ball (24 inches in circumference), and his gym records are the stuff of legend.
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- Bench press: 175kg and climbing.
- Custom dumbbells: 75kg each — because the standard gym kit simply isn’t heavy enough.
- Speed: 40m in 5.11 seconds, reaching a top speed of 17.4 mph. For comparison, Usain Bolt covered 40m in 4.64 seconds during his prime.
The combination of raw strength and rare mobility explains why Etzebeth has been at the heart of the Bok pack for over a decade. He’s not just a lineout dominator or bruising tackler — he’s the kind of athlete who sets the physical standard in world rugby.
A True “Freak of Nature”
Teammates and opponents alike describe Etzebeth as a freak of nature. Few players of his size have ever been able to move with such speed and aggression. Whether it’s smashing rucks, bullying scrums, or galloping down the touchline like a flanker, the man from Cape Town continues to redefine what’s possible for a lock forward.
Former Bok coach Rassie Erasmus once said Etzebeth brings “a unique intimidation factor,” and it’s not hard to see why. His presence alone shifts momentum — and when he adds his monstrous work rate, South Africa become near-impossible to outmuscle.
Focus Shifts to Eden Park
Etzebeth’s freakish conditioning will be tested again this weekend as the Springboks face the All Blacks at Eden Parkin the Rugby Championship. South Africa haven’t beaten New Zealand in Auckland since 1937, and with the All Blacks boasting an unbeaten record at Eden Park stretching back to 1994, history is firmly against the world champions.
But if there’s one player who relishes the challenge of shattering records and silencing crowds, it’s Eben Etzebeth. His battle with New Zealand’s tight five will be a collision for the ages, and the Boks will need every ounce of his power and leadership if they’re to rewrite history in Auckland.
With both teams level on points in the Championship standings, Saturday’s clash is shaping up as more than just another test — it’s a statement of who really holds supremacy in world rugby.
“Goodbye Caterpillar ruck” – Four more rugby law changes for 2025
Rugby thrives on a mix of tradition and evolution, but some laws may no longer serve the game as effectively as they once did.
As the sport grows faster, stronger, and more tactical, certain laws stand out as ripe for reconsideration—not to upend the game, but to make it fairer, safer, and more exciting.
We highlight four specific laws that, with thoughtful updates, could better reflect the way rugby is played today. These ideas come from a deep respect for the game and a desire to see it flourish for players and fans alike.
World Rugby has shown it’s willing to adapt in recent years—these could be the next steps in that evolution.
1. Fewer Substitutions
Rugby has changed significantly over the years, and one of the biggest shifts is how the bench is used. These days, teams often bring on almost an entirely new forward pack late in the game. Big, fresh players crash into tired defenders, making the final 20 minutes less about skill and endurance, and more about brute force. Many fans and former players feel this has turned rugby into a collision sport rather than a contest of stamina and intelligence.
Reducing the number of substitutions would encourage players to pace themselves. Space would open up in the second half, creating more opportunities for creative play rather than endless phases of pick-and-go. It would reward fitness, smart decision-making, and those capable of performing for the full 80 minutes.
Fewer substitutions wouldn’t just make the game more exciting—it would make it fairer, safer, and more in line with the spirit of what rugby has always been about.
With the rise of 6–2 and even 7–1 bench splits, pioneered by Rassie Erasmus, the trend seems to be heading in the opposite direction. That’s all the more reason to act now.