Etzebeth closing in on Bok record
De Klerk uncertain when he'll be back
Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth is on target to claim the record for most Test caps for a South African should he complete the remaining four games of the Lipovitan D Rugby Championship.
Etzebeth shares second place with outstanding Bok wing Bryan Habana on 124 caps, with locking legend Victor Matfield out in front on 127
.
Lood de Jager, the long-time locking partner with Etzebeth, has 66 caps. He shared 39 Tests with him, second behind the 63-Test combination Matfield and Bakkies Botha, achieved back him to achieve the record by the end of the campaign.
De Jager, who is recovering from another injury that has prevented him from playing more often with Etzebeth, told Sport24, "When you look at Eben, the first thing you look at is his work ethic off the field, especially how professional he is, how he recovers, and how hard he works in the gym.
"For any youngster coming into the group, there is no better example than Eben on what epitomises Bok rugby and what it is to be a Springbok.
"I hope he does break the record; he really deserves it. He's a champion of a man, he's a great team guy and a great example to youngsters coming through."
Meanwhile, long-time Etzebeth partner in arms, 58-Test halfback Faf de Klerk, has to endure watching pretenders to his throne as South Africa's best in his position while he recovers from a thigh injury.
He hasn't played since South Africa's second Test against Ireland and is uncertain whether he will get to play in the Championship.
"We're speaking with the specialist at the moment. I'm not sure how long it'll take and when I'll return, but it's looking positive."
De Klerk, 32, said the injury niggles when he kicks and sprints and thinks it may be connected to an MCL he had earlier in the season.
"I've never really been injured in my career, so I'm using this time to spend with my family, trying to sort the rest of my body out where there are aches and pains.
The injury frustration is preventing him from playing under the direction of backs coach Tony Brown.
"I enjoy what Tony is bringing forth, that's the way I used to play back at the Lions.
"There are a lot of small things and details we still need to sort out to make it flow well. But our main pillars are still our maul, scrums, physicality and our kicking game is always going to be massive, no matter who or where we're playing."
De Klerk will be chasing the starting position when he returns.
"Working with guys like Morne van den Berg and Grant Williams, when he was younger in the group, has been great. If they play or perform better than me, I'm happy for them to do it.
"If they can perform well for the Springboks and we win, I'll grant them that opportunity because I've also been granted opportunities. Sometimes I took them, sometimes I didn't."