Sharks lock Eben Etzebeth has addressed comments made by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus in episode 3 of the documentary series “Chasing the Sun 2.”

Erasmus suggested that Etzebeth, along with captain Siya Kolisi and former number eight Duane Vermeulen, weren’t entirely aligned in their leadership approach.

Erasmus, who recently returned as head coach after long-time partner Jacques Nienaber left, gave the trio 15-minute to address the issue at the team camp in France. The Springboks went on to successfully defend their World Cup title, defeating rivals New Zealand in the final.

“I think Rassie has a knack for identifying potential problems before they even happen,” Etzebeth explained to Sportswire. “Maybe Duane and I had slight differences in strategy, like how to approach a maul. These weren’t major issues, but Rassie saw something from his perspective.”

“Perhaps younger players might have interpreted this differently,” Etzebeth continued. “That’s why I believe Rassie’s ability to address potential problems makes him such a great coach.”

During the crucial quarter-final against France, Etzebeth received a ten-minute sin bin. This was a challenging match, with the French team displaying high intensity and their star player, Antoine Dupont, proving elusive for the Boks.

However, Etzebeth, nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year in 2023, returned with a vengeance. He powered through with a powerful carry in the second half, scoring a try and propelling his team forward.

“Obviously, getting a yellow card in a World Cup quarter-final is nerve-wracking,” Etzebeth said. “You sit there hoping they don’t score too many points while you’re off. It wasn’t about individual glory.”

“Against a top team like France, it’s always difficult to come back and win when you’re down a man. So, I just aimed to make a difference when I returned, and everything went perfectly with that carry.”

The Springboks are set to return to action in July.