Opinion: South Africa’s colossal Eben Etzebeth rises to big occasion for Toulon

Springbok and Toulon lock Eben Etzebeth delivered a timely reminder of his power and influence in the European Challenge Cup semi-final win over Saracens, writes Jon Cardinelli.

Three months ago, Etzebeth was unrated and unwanted by his Toulon bosses.

The South African lock battled with concussion on the back of a taxing 2021 season, and sustained a serious calf injury upon his return to play in February 2022.

While some lamented Etzebeth’s bad run of luck, others questioned his loyalty and dedication.

Toulon president Bernard Lemaître described Etzebeth as “a clear handicap for the club”. It was a bizarre statement at the time, and has aged like milk as Toulon have advanced to the final stage of the Challenge Cup.

Etzebeth’s most recent performance served as a powerful response. Toulon needed a physical talisman in a game of this nature. Etzebeth was aggressive yet measured in his display at the collisions and breakdowns.

The last-gasp tackle that denied Saracens a try in the second half summed up his work-rate – and perhaps his loyalty. That certainly wasn’t the act of a player who is in it for the paycheque.

The manner in which he disrupted the Saracens machine at the set-piece was nothing short of majestic. As was the case in the 2021 series between the Springboks and the Lions, Etzebeth outplayed Maro Itoje.

On this occasion, though, the contest was more one-sided. Etzebeth harassed the Saracens jumpers at the lineout, and even forced a couple of turnovers.

Some might say that he has proven his point. Etzebeth, however, will be determined to go one better and to steer Toulon to a Challenge Cup title victory over Lyon on May 27.

That result would mark a successful end to his largely disrupted three-year stint in