Gom july '14 issue 08 eben etzebeth

Eben ETZEBETH One On One With Eben

eben etzebeth

ONE ON ONE WITH EBEN ETZEBETH Words by Kobus Pretorius, Photos by BackPage Media

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Game On Magazine, July/August: Issue 08, 2014

ATHLETE SPORTING Q&A: RUGBY

What has been the toughest part of being injured for six months?

Training on your own and getting back to full fitness as quickly as possible is the toughest. I’ve sorely missed playing rugby!

It must have been tough sitting on the sideline and watching the Stormers in this year’s Super Rugby Competition. Why do you think the Stormers have struggled this season?

A lot of injuries in key positions have caused us to struggle but I have every confidence that we will come back to our form.

Gert Smal has been appointed Director of Rugby in Western Province. He is a very experienced coach and has a proven track record working with forwards. You must be looking forward to working with him?

Yes he is good at his job so I am looking forward to working with him.

Besides training and rehab, how have you kept busy these past few months?

Rehab was my main focus but besides that I have played a lot of Xbox!

Megarom have been sending me all the latest games so I have been

really enjoying trying all the titles. Otherwise, I have just been relaxing as much as I can because when rugby starts again for me it will be hectic again.

Are there any positives to take out of such a long injury lay-off?

Yes - getting your body back in a good condition is a luxury that a long lay-off can give you. Having the chance to spend quality time with family and friends is also a positive. You also appreciate what you have, more.

Do you think being out of the game for six months has refreshed you mentally and physically with the eye on next year’s World Cup?

Definitely!!!

There’s been a lot of talk in the media about the no. 5 lock position and your possibly moving there to take charge of the line-outs. Do you think that is a realistic option for you, or are you happy to stay at 4?

Right now I am focusing on getting back on the field and that is my main goal.

Time will tell where I play.

Victor Matfield has made his comeback since you have been injured. After playing with Bakkies Botha last year, do you think you could learn anything from a legend like Matfield?

Victor is one of the top lineout specialists in the world so I can definitely learn a thing or two there!

Who has been your toughest opponent on the rugby field?

Ma’a Nonu has been the toughest so far.

Is it true that you only started playing lock in Grade 11 at Tygerberg High School and that before that, you were a centre?

Yes; before Grade 11 I played in the back line at centre, wing and fullback.

“I have just been relaxing as much as I can because when rugby starts again for me it will be hectic again.”

Game On Magazine, July/August: Issue 08, 2014

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