There is no doubt that Springbok star Eben Etzebeth was once again one of the standout performers in international rugby last year, while he also reached a special milestone as he surpassed Victor Matfield to become the most-capped Bok of all time.

Etzebeth has already enjoyed a remarkable career when it comes to maintaining consistent fitness and form, and also keep in mind that he only turned 31 years old at the end of October.

The big man could quite feasibly play Test rugby for at least another five years if he is well managed and maintains his remarkable conditioning. Don’t forget Matfield made his final Springbok appearance at the age of 38, while the most-capped international player of all time, Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones, only retired when he too was 38-years-old.

So, where does Etzebeth stand when compared to Jones and others in terms of Test caps? The Welsh international finished his career with 171 Test caps, and on the all-time list, is followed by Sam Whitelock (153) and Richie McCaw (148).

Considering that the Springboks generally play 12 to 13 Internationals in a normal Test year, it’s actually not beyond the realms of possibility that Etzebeth could become the first South African to play more than 150 Test matches.

All in all, it’s an incredible prospect for the future, with the powerful lock having already won two World Cups and a British & Irish Lions series with the Springboks.

Fitness and form permitting, there is good reason to believe Etzebeth will increasingly entrench himself as the greatest Springbok of all time, while he could eventually end up as the second-most capped player in all of world rugby.

Eben Etzebeth has no intent to slow down

In a recent appearance on the Times’ Ruck Rugby podcast, Etzebeth explained what continued to motivate him.

“The Springboks mean a lot to me and so it does for so many other players,” he said.

“Every year you want to be on top of your game to be in that squad and force your way into the starting XV. So that’s always been my biggest motivation to be part of the team and to be selected and not let a young guy come through to take your position.

“Obviously, Rugby World Cup 2027 is at the back of everyone’s mind but going into 2025 at club level, I don’t think I’ve been that successful at club level and won too many trophies so I’d love to be more successful with the Sharks, whether that’s in Europe or the URC.

“That’s the motivation but also personally, to stay on top of my game for as long as possible and not get thrown out of the system because you are not good enough anymore but rather just keep on performing and being part of the plans.”

What have been your highlights from his career?

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/where-could-etzebeth-finish-on-the-all-time-list-for-test-caps/