South African rugby legend Eben Etzebeth has unleashed a scathing critique of his Springboks teammates' conduct during a tumultuous period in the team's history, a time when they suffered a record-breaking loss to the formidable All Blacks.
The year was 2016, and the Springboks were reeling from a disappointing start under new coach Allister Coetzee. After a historic loss to Ireland on home turf, the team managed a 2-1 series win, but the Rugby Championship exposed deeper issues. Coetzee's team beat Argentina, only to lose to them the following week, followed by defeats to the Wallabies and All Blacks. The 13-41 loss in Christchurch was a low point, but the worst was yet to come.
But here's where it gets controversial. Etzebeth, in his autobiography 'Unlocked', reveals that the team's discipline was lacking, and some players partied just days before the All Blacks clash in Durban. This incident, exposed by the media, created a rift in the team. Etzebeth believes the team lacked a strong leadership group to keep the younger players in check.
The result? A crushing 15-57 defeat to the All Blacks, a record at the time. The fans, instead of jeering, fell into a stunned silence, which Etzebeth found even more disheartening. He believes that silence speaks volumes, indicating a loss of hope.
Etzebeth's frustration doesn't end there. He criticizes teammates who don't seem to care about losses, citing instances of players drinking before and after games, regardless of the outcome. He questions the mindset of players who don't seem to take defeats seriously, especially in professional rugby. Etzebeth's passion for the game and his team is evident, but his comments raise questions about the team's culture and leadership during that challenging period.
And this is the part most people miss: Etzebeth's insights provide a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a team in crisis, offering valuable lessons for sports teams worldwide. Should players be allowed to let loose, or is discipline key to success? How should teams handle defeat? These are questions that spark debate and reflection, showing that the impact of Etzebeth's words extends far beyond the rugby field.
