A Culture of Defeat: Eben Etzebeth's Revelations
In a recent interview, Springboks legend Eben Etzebeth has lifted the lid on the toxic culture that plagued the national team during his early international career. Etzebeth's candid revelations, shared in his new book "Unlocked," paint a stark picture of a team lacking leadership and discipline, ultimately leading to devastating defeats at the hands of the mighty All Blacks.
The 2017 match, a 57-0 humiliation, is a scar on the Springboks' history, but it was merely the culmination of a series of heavy losses. The year prior, the All Blacks had already dealt two crushing blows, winning 41-13 in Christchurch and then delivering a historic 57-15 defeat in Durban.
"The discipline within the team was lacking," Etzebeth writes in "Unlocked." He describes how younger players were allowed to indulge in poor behavior, including partying in Durban just days before a crucial test match against the All Blacks. This lack of accountability and leadership created a toxic environment, as Etzebeth explains, "There was a feeling that we lacked experienced players who would step up and guide the younger guys, showing them what it meant to be a true Springbok."
The impact of this weak culture was evident in the silence that engulfed the Durban crowd as the All Blacks ran riot. Etzebeth recalls, "The silence was worse than any booing. It meant the fans had lost all hope in us."
But here's where it gets controversial: Etzebeth also takes aim at the team's culture of drinking, win or lose. He questions the philosophy of "on the booze, win or lose," arguing that a player's response to defeat reveals their true character. Etzebeth's frustration is palpable as he describes teammates who didn't share his anger and pain after losses.
And this is the part most people miss: the pain didn't end there. The Springboks continued to struggle under Alister Coetzee, suffering a historic loss to Italy and enduring more mixed results and defeats at the hands of the All Blacks.
Eben Etzebeth's revelations provide a fascinating insight into the inner workings of a struggling national team. It raises questions about leadership, accountability, and the role of culture in sports. So, what do you think? Is a culture of drinking and partying compatible with elite sports performance? Or is it a recipe for disaster? Share your thoughts in the comments!
