The Springboks' Culture Crisis: A Player's Perspective
Eben Etzebeth, a stalwart of the Springboks, has shed light on the internal struggles that plagued the team during his early international career. In his book, Unlocked, he reveals a culture of weakness and a lack of leadership that contributed to the team's downfall, particularly against the formidable All Blacks.
The 2017 match against New Zealand, which ended in a record-breaking 57-0 loss, is etched in the memories of rugby fans. However, the year prior, the Springboks endured a challenging period under the leadership of Alister Coetzee. They suffered two heavy defeats at the hands of the All Blacks, 41-13 in Christchurch and a historic 57-15 loss in Durban.
Etzebeth's book delves into the 2016 home defeat, criticizing a culture that allowed young players to engage in poor behavior. During the week of the All Blacks' test match in Durban, some players were caught partying, which caused a rift within the team. Etzebeth writes, 'The discipline in the group wasn't up to par, and some fringe players decided to party just days before our crucial match. This behavior created a negative atmosphere, as South African journalists had uncovered the story, leaving a sense of hopelessness among the squad.'
The crowd in Durban was stunned by the All Blacks' dominance, which resulted in a record-breaking score. Etzebeth emphasizes the impact of this silence, explaining that it indicated a lack of hope for the team's future. He states, 'The silence was deafening, as if the fans had given up on us. It's a stark contrast to the booing, which shows that fans still care and believe in the team's potential.'
The player's frustration extends to the team's handling of defeat. Etzebeth believes that a player's response to loss is a true indicator of their character. He criticizes teammates who don't display the same level of anger and disappointment, stating, 'I've never understood the mindset of 'on the booze, win or lose.' How a player copes with defeat is a reflection of their commitment and professionalism.'
The pain continued under Coetzee's leadership, as the team suffered a historic first-ever loss to Italy during the end-of-year tour. The following year, 2017, brought mixed results and further struggles against the All Blacks, highlighting the ongoing challenges within the Springboks' culture.
