[WATCH] Siya Kolisi's touching tribute to 'best friend' and 'brother' Eben Etzebeth: 'I love you'

Clarence Ford chats with Primedia Digital Content Editor Barbara Friedman about stories that are trending online.

(The one starts at 1:00.)

South Africa claimed the 2024 Rugby Championship with a smashing 48-7 victory over Argentina at a festive Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, 28 August 2024.

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There was double cause for celebration as lock Eben Etzebeth became the most capped Springbok ever with his 128th appearance, one more than the previous title holder, Victor Matfield.

Kolisi, the champions' captain, gave a speech of gratitude to his 'best friend' Etzebeth after the game.

Kolisi called Etzebeth 'a true friend who became a brother' after explaining that they have been together since they were 18 and formed a strong bond after coach Rassie named Kolisi the Springboks' captain, which Etzebeth has always supported.

"I want to say to my best friend, Eben Etzebeth, you have always been by my side. You have led us as a team in so many ways. I am so proud of you. Cheers my brother, I love you," Kolisi said.

Kolisi says he admires bestie Etzebeth for being a 'smart' player who leads the team on the field and also for the man he is to his family off the field. 

"I can't wait to tell my grandkids I played with Eben Etzebeth," Kolisi added.

Watch the moment below:

We also learnt that Siya's nickname for Eben is 'yster' and we quite like it... Eben 'Yster' Etzebeth, jou lekker ding!

Siya also took to social media to share this pic of the two holding their newest trophy... a moment for the bromance!

While in Mpumalanga, Siya and Kwagga Smith also headed to @careforwild, a Rhino Sanctuary to pay a special visit to Daisy.

Siya first met Daisy when she was just a few months old, and she immediately connected with him, gravitating toward his calm and compassionate energy.

Daisy holds a special place in his heart and still remembers him, said the sanctuary in their Instagram post.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.