'Enforcer' Etzebeth: The Springbok engine that never stops

Of the many Springboks who put their hands up during the thrilling win over France in Paris on Sunday, none was more important or timely than veteran lock forward Eben Etzebeth.

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The 31-year-old featured in several key moments which finger-tipped the World Cup quarter-final South Africa's way and had the largely French home crowd braying and whistling at their new pantomime villain.

Most vital was his game-breaking try 13 minutes from time, but from the opening moments, he figured largely in the contests that altered the balance, living up to former Springbok captain Victor Matfield's view that Etzebeth was "probably the best player in the world".

Francois Louw, who won a World Cup winner's medal alongside him in 2019, said "stalwart" Etzebeth plays a crucial role for the Boks.

"I think all teams have an enforcer, someone that brings that physicality, and that role has changed so much over the years," he said on Tuesday.

"Those players are becoming more and more dynamic, not just a big bruiser but someone who plays really good rugby.

"To contain that aggression and angle it to a point that is more effective for the team, he has done an amazing job in that.

"His influence in the victory (against France) was immense."

It was Etzebeth's giant right paw that made a crucial and controversial intervention early on, with France leading 7-0 and knocking on the South African tryline.

The home crowd hooted and bayed for a deliberate knock-on as referee Ben O'Keeffe and the TMO team agreed that he had somehow palmed the ball backwards.

Moments later, the Sharks' forward was challenging in midfield for a high ball that ultimately bounced kindly