Eben Etzebeth: We want fans to get ‘angry’ when the Springboks ‘don’t do well’ and praises how Rassie Erasmus keeps team psyche intact

When South Africa starts their end-of-year trip next month, playing Japan, France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales, Etzebeth believes that tendency will continue. Rassie is deserving of much praise. The most capped Bok of all-time reveals that while the players all have various reasons why they play rugby, they all have a similar goal of making South Africa proud, with Erasmus handling the players superbly to ensure that the group remains happy.

“Rassie deserves a lot of praise for his ability to maintain team cohesion and engagement. At the publication of his autobiography Unlocked last week at the N1 retail center in Goodwood, Rapport quoted Etzebeth as saying, “Everyone gets the chance to play and everyone knows they’ll get an opportunity on tour whether it’s against Japan, France, Italy, or Wales.” “It’s amazing how Rassie and his coaching staff manage the team’s mental health.”

Although supporters of the Springboks have relished the team’s recent victories, they can be harshly critical when things don’t go their way. The 138-Test cap forward claims that the team wouldn’t have it any other way.

Springbok fans

Although there are a variety of motivating elements, Etzebeth notes that despite the fact that many of the participants have diverse backgrounds, they all share a same objective. “Everyone has their own motivation, whether it’s to support their family or reach 100 Test caps.

Each of us has a unique background,” he stated. However, while we are abroad, we are all aware of what is happening at home and how people help us. Because they lack DStv, people create movies and watch rugby in malls and on the streets.

“It’s support that others don’t receive in their countries; in South Africa, rugby is practically a religion, and when we perform poorly, people get upset with us, and we want that too.” With Erasmus’ team winning seven of their nine games, defending the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate, Argentina Cup, and Freedom Cup, and earning back-to-back Rugby Championship crowns for the first time ever, there has been more celebration than teasing for the Springbok supporters this year.

South Africa’s most formidable opponents suffered their worst-ever loss during that run, which featured a record 43-10 thumping of the All Blacks.