Skipper Kolisi effusive on bromance with Eben as 100th cap beckons: 'He's a guy you can rely on'

"I love him with all my heart."

Those were the adoring words of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi when he reflected on centurion-in-waiting Eben Etzebeth ahead of the 3-match series decider in Cape Town on Saturday (17:05).

Etzebeth will become the seventh national player to reach the milestone this weekend, while his fellow compatriot Bongi Mbonambi will celebrate his 50th Test cap.

The bromance between Kolisi and Etzebeth has always been plain to see and he didn't hesitate to adulate his friend and teammate when the opportunity presented itself on Friday.

"We've come a long way together, haven't we? We met at Craven Week, we were both 18," said the Springbok captain.

Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick then quipped, "was your command of English good back then?" to which Kolisi retorted, "even his was limited", sending the room into a moment of merriment.

"He's one of the reasons I moved to Western Province and was one of the first friends I had who spoke Afrikaans," Kolisi recalled.

"Our families are close and although rugby has given us an opportunity to become friends, it extends beyond the field of play. I obviously love him with all my heart," he said.

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The two will continue their thick as thieves relations when Etzebeth joins the Sharks next season.

"He's a guy you can rely on on the field. He's there in the trenches and even when people intimidate me, he stands up for me on the field," he said in jest.

"We're ecstatic for him. He's worked hard. Not many people have put on this jersey that many times.

"I am honoured to be playing in the same team with those guys who have worn this jersey with pride over and over again."

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