Former England coach Clive Woodward has singled out captain Eben Etzebeth for his leading role in the Springboks’ resurgence against the All Blacks in Cape Town.
The World Cup-winning coach believes that Etzebeth is one of three best locks in world rugby, along with All Blacks duo Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock.
‘World rugby needs a strong South Africa, and it is clear their skipper Eben Etzebeth – who is going to be one of the greats – is dragging them back to the top,’ Woodward wrote in his column for the Daily Mail.
‘Although England are rightly proud of their strength in depth at lock, the Boks captain and the two Kiwis – Retallick and Whitelock – would all walk into Eddie Jones’ team.’
Woodward also commended the sides for keeping the ball alive 10 minutes after the half-time hooter had sounded at Newlands, saying it showcased the best the Rugby Championship had to offer.
‘Contrary to what the critics say, this tournament is not moving in the wrong direction. The highlight for me was the refusal of either side to kick the ball dead after the whistle went for half-time. Both teams were ultra-positive and wanted to play and entertain.’
Photo: Wessel Oosthuizen/Gallo Images
