Eben Etzebeth – who recently made history over his test match appearances – is widely known for his quick temper on the pitch. In fact, many fans have teased him over going into “beast mode” when it comes to the attack.
This includes his Bok bestie, captain Siya Kolisi, who recently interviewed him over his momentous occasion.
The 32-year-old has officially become the most-capped player in the team’s history, surpassing Victor Matfield and Bryan Habana.
SIYA KOLISI TEASES EBEN ETZEBETH OVER SPRINGBOK BRAWLS
In a special feature on SuperSport, Siya Kolisi took his pal Eben Etzebeth “down memory lane” and reflected on career milestones.
The duo – who are known for their banter and bromance – laughed and joked over the times together both on and off the pitch.
In one segment, Siya teased Eben over his pitch brawls with local and foreign teammates.
“Why do you always have so many people around you? Why are you smiling – you’re scary at the same time?” Siya hilariously asked.
Siya then referred to Eben’s 2016 50th test appearance in which his Springbok shirt was torn off in a scuffle with Australian players Quade Cooper and Allan Alaatatoa.
In a clip that went viral at the time, Eben Etzebeth was seen walking off the field shirtless after being tackled by the Wallabies. During the clip, Eben laughed in the face of his angry opponents.
“They started it,” Eben jokingly said in the interview.
Siya also claimed that Eben gave him a “friendly warning” when they went to watch a Liverpool vs Chelsea soccer match together. Siya, a die-hard Liverpool fan, made the mistake of cheering on his team whilst seated in enemy territory.
After getting some stern looks from spectators, Siya said of Eben: “I looked at you, like damn it, I’m also scared. You grabbed me and then said, ‘If you do that again, I’ll do something to you myself”.
PART OF HIS DNA?
While there is no doubt that Eben Etzebeth is nothing short of intimidating, many have claimed he inherited his “beast mode” from his late father and uncles.
Last year, Eben revealed the sad passing of his father, Harry, a seasoned wrestler. Harry was one of seven brothers who were known for their rugby and cricket skills, as well as bar brawls.
Eben’s two eldest uncles, Cliffie and Skattie, were also professional fighters who were part of the Parow Wrestling Club, reports Rugby 365.
Like his uncles, Eben is also known for throwing hands – on the pitch. Over the years, the giant rugby star has been seen in various tiffs with his opponents.
In 2019, he was accused of assaulting a fellow patron of a Laangebaan bar, reported Weekend Argus.
Springboks