On 28 July 2012, Springbok hardman Eben Etzebeth showcased his immense physical strength by charging through Bismarck du Plessis in a Super Rugby clash at Newlands.

With Bakkies Botha’s career winding down, the Boks were in search of a new enforcer and along came 20-year-old Etzebeth, who helped the Stormers reach the Super Rugby semi-finals in his breakout season.

The towering lock announced himself to the world when he came up against Du Plessis, who was in his prime for the Boks and Sharks.

In the opening minutes of the game, Etzebeth got the ball in midfield with Du Plessis pressing to make the tackle, but the hard-charging lock bounced the renowned hooker in a career-defining clash of two Bok titans.

WATCH: Eben, the man of the hour

Photo: Carl Fourie/Getty Images