CAPE TOWN – Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth says while they are going to enjoy their success after winning the British & Irish Lions Series, they know they have to shift their focus to the Rugby Championship.
The Boks edged the Lions 19-16 in the decisive Test at Cape Town Stadium after winning the second Test 27-9 and losing the opener 22-17.
A try by star winger Cheslin Kolbe and the boot of veteran Morne Steyn were key in the Boks’ triumph after they trailed 6-10 at the break.
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🏉 The men with the experience know what they are talking about
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 8, 2021
🗣️ "I told him it may come down to him winning the series again"
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Steyn, in similar fashion to his 2009 heroics, slotted the late winning penalty to ensure the Boks come out on top.
The Rugby Championship, which gets underway next Saturday with back-to-back Tests against Argentina in Port Elizabeth, will be the world champions’ next assignment.
“The Rugby World Cup is still the pinnacle, but winning a series against the British & Irish Lions certainly is second to that,” Etzebeth said after their victory.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, it was massive for us. We had a lot of struggles in the build-up to the series with a few COVID-19 cases disrupting the team, so we will enjoy the win and then focus on the match against Argentina.”
🗣️ "We had so many challenges ... but we decided there will be no excuses"
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 7, 2021
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He added: “The first Test was tough and we had to come back in the second game, so we knew the third Test would be a close contest.
“In fact, I had breakfast with Morne (Steyn, on Saturday) and I told him it may come down to him winning the Series again.”
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and to be part of this moment is special.”
IOL Sport