Springboks lock Eben Etzebuth faces selection doubts before Argentina test

Former Springboks coach Nick Mallett warned that veteran lock Eben Etzebuth may not be ready to start for South Africa after a tumultuous nine‑month period. Etzebuth received a straight red card for eye‑gouging in the final test of 2025, earned a 12‑match suspension, then missed the July internationals due to injury and concerns over his concussion history.

Mallett said the upcoming test against Argentina on 8 August will be a crucial opportunity for Etzebuth to prove match fitness before the Rugby Championship clash with the All Blacks in August. With limited specialist options at lock, South Africa may rely on Pieter‑Steph du Toit or Cobus Wiese if Etzebuth is not selected.