Victor Matfield: 'He showed why he's probably the best Springbok of all time'

Former South Africa captain Victor Matfield has hailed Eben Etzebeth as “probably the best Springbok of all time” after the veteran lock produced a towering response to the pressure surrounding his form in Saturday’s series-levelling 33-26 victory over the All Blacks in Cape Town.

The 34-year-old racked up a match-leading 18 tackles, two of which were dominant, as the world champions levelled the series with the All Blacks, but perhaps his work at the lineout was his most decisive contribution, as he terrorised the visitors’ throw at the front of the lineout.

Matfield, who saw his record as the Springboks’ oldest-ever player overtaken by Deon Fourie at the weekend, said Etzebeth – who also surpassed him as the most-capped Bok in 2024 – was “under pressure” leading into the match, but “stood out” in his Rugby Rivals podcast this week.

A combination of his infamous gouging ban followed by a hip injury on his return to action for the Sharks in April has meant the 144-cap lock has only played a handful of matches in 2026. Moreover, he was not at his imperious best in the loss to the All Blacks in Johannesburg.

But the veteran has shaken off any rust, playing the full 80 minutes in Cape Town, while Ruan Nortje – who has established himself as the Boks’ 80-minute man over the past year – was taken off in the final quarter instead.

Fixture

Internationals

South Africa

08:10

5 Sep 26

New Zealand

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“I think we had to mention Eben,” Matfield said. “I mean, at lineout time he was outstanding. He was also under pressure in South Africa, he hasn’t played a lot. He’s not in great form. But I think he stood out.

“I mean, at lineout time he was fantastic. His work rate was just unbelievable, and that’s the Eben we know.

“So I think for me it was important that our most experienced player, in a week like this where there was a lot of pressure, he stood up and he just showed why he’s probably the best Springbok of all time.”