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Eben Etzebeth in doubt for All Blacks Test after tragic passing of his father

(Photo by Rob Newell/CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth’s father Harry sadly passed away on Tuesday putting his availability in doubt for Saturday’s clash with New Zealand.

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It is not yet clear if the Springbok captain will request to return to South Africa or participate in the Rugby Championship Test against the All Blacks in Auckland on Saturday.

An SA Rugby official told AFP that “Springbok management will leave it up to Eben whether he wants to return home immediately or lead the team on Saturday.

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“Our understanding is that Eben is very emotional at the moment as he was extremely close to his father,” he added.

Etzebeth’s father had been suffering from cancer.

He was one of nine children and a sportsman in his own right as a successful wrestler and cricket player.

Harry is said to have been battling an illness and was unable to travel hence Eben’s desire to make his 100th appearance in Cape Town.

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