'Doing it for dad': South African lock Eben Etzebeth gearing up for an emotional RWC Final

The Rugby World Cup final is fast approaching, with reigning champions South Africa taking on New Zealand in an all-star showdown in Paris.

The matchup is built on experience in both camps, but very few teams in world rugby have experience like the South Africa forward line.

South Africa number eight Duane Vermeulen is 37 and played 18 years of senior rugby, while experienced lock Eben Etzebeth has been a mainstay for over ten years.

The pair were at the forefront of South Africa's victory over England last weekend, dominating in the scrum and winning penalties at the breakdown to push the 'Springboks' into points-scoring positions.

Former South African lock and World Cup winner Victor Matfield spoke on the importance of the Etzebeth in last week's victory.

According to telegraph.co.uk, Matfield said: "You can't mention Maro Itoje and Eben Etzebeth in the same breath - Eben is a class apart."

The South African lock has been shortlisted for World Rugby men's Player of the Year alongside New Zealand back-row Ardie Savea.

Etzebeth may be in the running for World Player of the Year and his second World Cup title, but the South African lock has more important reasons for winning this weekend.

In July 2023, Etzebeth's world was rocked after his father, Harry Etzebeth, died after a battle with cancer.

According to sarugbymag.co.za, assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said: "I would like to think he is going it for his dad. We are 100% behind him to support him as a team."

The South African legend has made 118 appearances for the 'Springboks,' and the game this weekend will be the most important of his career.

The game against New Zealand will be the first major final Etzebeth has played without his father being there, giving him more of a reason than most to perform.

New Zealand and South Africa have had a long-standing rivalry in the rugby world, with the pair winning three World Cups each.

If South Africa wins this weekend, it will be the first time they have won the tournament back-to-back, a feat New Zealand completed in 2011 and 2015.

For 31-year-old Etzebeth, it would be the perfect way to cap off a tragic year for him and his family.

Will the stars a line and see South Africa become champions again, or will New Zealand stop them on their historic run and pick up their fourth Webb Ellis Cup?