Victor Matfield, a fierce competitor during his playing days, was known for leaving no advantage for his opponents.

Eben Etzebeth has been named on the bench for the Rugby Championship clash against Argentina on Saturday, and should he come on as a replacement, he will equal the legendary Victor Matfield’s record of 127 caps.

The current Springbok group are on an unprecedented run of success since Rassie Erasmus and his coaching staff arrived in 2018.

Victor Matfield has eulogised over the brilliance of second-row Eben Etzebeth, who is set to equal his Springboks cap record this weekend. The 32-year-old has been named on the bench for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against Argentina and will move onto 127 South Africa appearances if he comes onto the field.

Eben Etzebeth will write his name into South African folklore when he becomes the joint most capped Springbok of all time.

Only two players in history have breached the 150 international cap mark, namely Welsh legend Alun Wyn Jones who is at the top with 171 caps (158 for Wales and 13 for the British and Irish Lions), while All Blacks star Sam Whitelock played 153 Tests. Both of them, like Etzebeth and Matfield, are also locks.