Mzwandile Stick says Eben Etzebeth “maybe want to do it for his father” after the giant lock chose to play in the Saturday Test against the All Blacks days after his father Harry’s death.
Etzibeth was understandably relieved of media duties ahead of Friday’s game, along with Springbok Stick assistant coach and teammate Bongi Mbonambi.
“We did everything we could to support him,” Steck said.
“He’s made his choice [to play]. Maybe he wants to do it for his father. Against the All Blacks, he couldn’t have picked a better game to do it for him.”
Etzebeth will captain the Bucks in the 104th match between the old rivals at Mount Smart in Auckland, New Zealand.