ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

WATCH: Eben Etzebeth puts the world on notice with surprising positional switch

BY davidharper  ·  Monday Jan 25, 2021

South African World Cup-winning lock Eben Etzebeth has spent his professional career in the second-row. Toulon kicked things up a notch Sunday by moving the giant enforcer to flanker. The results may indeed have lasting effects beyond this one encounter. 

ADVERTISEMENT

It’s been said that necessity is the mother of invention. Eben Etzebeth started the first game of his career at blindside flanker in Toulon’s 35-13 home victory over Stade Francais after Toulon flanker Swann Rebbadj was scrubbed shortly before kick-off.

He performed well enough that it may just have a trendsetting effect with his employers going forward.

Eben Etzebeth’s giant frame revealed after jersey rip in scuffle

Chances are this will just be a one-off. However, it could certainly throw an unexpected wrinkle in Warren Gatland’s plans if the British and Irish Lions tour goes forward as planned.

Etzebeth joined Toulon in 2019 after the successful Springbok World Cup campaign and his tenure has been outstanding thus far.

Related Articles

  • 57 WEEKS AGO

    Tickets now on sale as World XV set to face...

  • 57 WEEKS AGO

    '60 metres, plus change' - massive drop goal...

  • 57 WEEKS AGO

    Referee makes 'tackle of the season' as he...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    The Gallagher Premiership is back - A thrilling match at Tottenham

  • 11 WEEKS AGO

    Sensational score at the Stadio Olympico

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    Flying frenchman scores tremendous try for Toulon

  • 17 WEEKS AGO

    Young England hopeful continues to impress with double against Stade Français

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Full throttle Premiership final rematch ends in heartache

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 24 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 25 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 27 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 30 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 30 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    'A few nuts and bolts out' - Eden Park streaker sheds boxers to achieve goal

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    SHOCK results in the PWR keeps top four race thrilling

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 19 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Kildunne finishes off STUNNING team try

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

View All

Funnies

  • 12 WEEKS AGO

    'A few nuts and bolts out' - Eden Park streaker sheds boxers to achieve goal

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 20 WEEKS AGO

    'A dog with a mallet up its arse could’ve written Johnny’s book' Donnacha O'Callaghan

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

View All

Amateur

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Nightmare blunder from Exeter winger as try goes wanting

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Santiago Carreras scores a blinder in front of thrilled Kingsholm crowd

  • 122 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 122 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 145 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

View All

Player Features

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    The Capuozzo try that jump-started Italy's victory

  • 20 WEEKS AGO

    RugbyDump's top five backrows in 2024

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    ‘The knee slide was too much’ - Ben Earl reflects on THAT viral moment

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 25 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

View All