Etzebeth in doubt after death of his father

The Springboks were hit by bad news on Tuesday when it was confirmed that the father of Springbok captain Eben Etzebeth had died overnight.

While the Boks have put out no statement, it is understood that they have left the decision on whether to play up to Etzebeth himself ahead of this weekend’s Castle Lager Rugby Championship match against the All Blacks in Auckland.

Etzebeth was named as captain in the absence of Siya Kolisi, who is working his way back from a knee injury, but is in New Zealand with the side.

Harry Etzebeth was one of nine children and grew up in a family that were famous in Cape rugby circles for their robust play. Harry was a successful wrestler and cricketer in his sporting days.

Etzebeth wanted to have his 100th test in Cape Town last year, apparently because his father was ill and unable to travel and celebrated the milestone with him during the match against Wales. Harry was understood to have been battling an illness.

Harry’s brother Cliffie was a lock and prop for Western Province and also a successful wrestler.

The Boks will make an announcement in due course.