Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth in action against Scotland and an insert of him during South Africa v England.
Eben Etzebeth takes stock of the contenders for the Six Nations this year.
Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth has weighed in on the runners and riders for the upcoming Six Nations Championship.
The veteran forward is well-placed to provide a view on the tournament after a 2024 which saw South Africa face four of the six teams, defeating Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales while also going down to Andy Farrell’s team in one Test.
The 2025 Six Nations promises to be closely fought with defending champions Ireland seemingly enduring what looked to be a blip in form while France were excellent last November.
England have endured a torrid run of defeats but they were in a winning position in each of those losses while Scotland remains on an upward trajectory.
Finally, Italy had indifferent results throughout 2024 but did claim a memorable victory over Wales and pushed France all the way in their clash.
While Wales went winless in 2024, Etzebeth believes that Warren Gatland’s team will turn things around eventually and added that Scotland are bound to have another strong campaign.
Eben Etzebeth on the upcoming Six Nations
The Bok lock believes that if one gets caught up in the perception of teams instead of preparing for the task at hand, then things can get rather messy.
“We tried to approach each game the same,” Etzebeth explained on the Times’ Ruck Podcast in reference to their end-of-year internationals.
“I do believe if you start disrespecting an opponent then that’s when things happen in rugby that shouldn’t by not preparing that well.
“It was a tough tour, I think Scotland are definitely on the up with the way they play.
“The funny thing is that after the game everyone was surprised by the way they stuck in the game and how physical they were but we weren’t, we know they are a quality side.
“Sometimes you get more perception from the fans and the public, and the team that plays against them doesn’t think about them that way but they are a really good side. In the Six Nations last year they got some good results and I’m pretty sure they will do well again.”
While he believes that Gregor Townsend’s team will have another good Six Nations campaign, he has warned that England cannot be underestimated and hailed the youth that Gatland has in Wales.
“Obviously, England have had their challenges but they are always one of the best teams in the world and Wales are going through a transition period,” he said.
“They have lost a lot of senior players but there are some young guys in there who are hungry and desperate, the results will definitely come very soon.”
Facing Toulouse
While the Bok forward did not comment on France with a view to the upcoming Six Nations, he did preview the massive clash against Toulouse in the Investec Champions Cup this weekend.
“It’s going to be a big one against Toulouse, we all know what a quality side they are, they are a six-star team,” he said.
“We are looking forward to it and it’s going to be a great challenge.”
Etzebeth missed the Sharks’ last Champions Cup outing against Leicester Tigers through injury but he is primed to return to the matchday team for this weekend’s clash.
