Smiling Etzebeth recalls 'special' occasion of 100th Springbok Test

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth was full of smiles after celebrating his 100th Test cap with a win in a match that had the billing of a final.

"Special," he said, when he faced reporters after the Boks' series-clinching 30-14 win over Wales in Cape Town on Saturday. 

What would have added to the occasion was the fact that his fiancé Anila van Rensburg sang the South African national anthem before the game.

Ten years ago, Etzebeth made his debut in a series against England. This Saturday, he brought up his milestone with a man of the match performance in front of over 50 000 people.

His response shed light into the selflessness of the 30-year-old, as he shifted focus away from him and back onto the team.

"I had my family here and that made it special, and it was obviously pleasing to get the win... even if you take away all of that and just give us the win, that will make me all the more happier," he said. 

A large 'Eben 100' wick was wheeled into the stadium before the start of the game, something Etzebeth said he appreciated greatly.

"Whoever did that, thank you so much," he said.

He added that he will soak in the enormity of his achievement in the days and weeks to come. 

"The most important thing was to get the victory and I'm very happy for the team. I think every guy in the team put their hands up.

He shared the day with hooker Bongi Mbonambi, who celebrated his 50th cap, and Etzebeth was effusive about his teammate: "He knows how I feel about him. I've told him before. He's a warrior and it was special for me to share the day with him".

Wales coach Wayne Pivac also shared a congratulatory message for Etzebeth.

"He's a wonderful player. He's a good leader. He's added an immense amount of discipline to his game. He's had a superb series. He is world class and we wish him the best for the rest of his career which I know will be a long one."

The Boks are now next in action when The Rugby Championship gets underway next month.