Rugby Union Legend Brodie Retallick Reflects on Rivalry with Springbok Star Eben Etzebeth

All Blacks great Brodie Retallick has opened up about his long-standing rivalry with fellow second-row Eben Etzebeth, a battle that defined the rugby landscape over the past decade.

The two towering figures, born in the same year and making their Test debuts in 2012, have been at the forefront of the locking position for over 10 years. Vying to be considered the best in the world in their position, the pair have faced off numerous times, with Etzebeth’s Springboks emerging victorious in last year’s Rugby World Cup final.

“My mindset is you want to be the best and to be the best you’ve got to be better than everyone else, and he’s probably been the best for a long period of time,” Retallick told Walk the Talk with Jim Hamilton. “You want to measure yourself against a player of his quality.”

Both men have tasted World Cup glory, with the All Blacks lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in 2015 and the Springboks triumphing in 2019 and 2023. Retallick, who has since moved to Japan’s League One, was part of the New Zealand team that reached the final in France last year, before ultimately falling to Etzebeth’s side 12-11.

Reflecting on the epic clash, Retallick said:

“The intensity was through the roof. The French crowd – well probably mostly Irish supporters – it was so loud in the stadium. It was tit for tat for a while there until Richie (Mo’unga) made that break off the back of a lineout and then just like that the game came alive.”

While Retallick’s international career may have come to an end, Etzebeth remains a key part of the Springboks setup, featuring in their recent 27-20 victory over Ireland. The South African second-row’s longevity and excellence have earned him widespread praise, with Retallick acknowledging his former rival’s abilities.

“If he’s still doing it that well, he deserves to be talked about like that,” Retallick said. “The number of times I got told ‘you need to start doing some gym.’ I’m like, ‘I’m trying my best!'”

The rivalry between Retallick and Etzebeth has become synonymous with the sport of rugby union, with their head-to-head battles captivating fans around the world. As the curtain falls on Retallick’s illustrious international career, the legacy of this iconic clash will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of rugby greats.

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