On the day that we celebrate the start of the greatest showpiece in world rugby, we think back to two years ago and the tragic incident that shocked the nation and the rugby community worldwide.
On the 7th September 2005 one of South Africa's most prolific try scorers died tragically in a car accident just outside of Pretoria, ironically, on Botha Avenue.
Etienne Botha was a young center who was probably at the height of his career at the time. Playing for the Bulls, Botha was a devastating runner with tremendous skill and quick feet. He dazzled the Loftus faithful for years with his exciting bursts of acceleration and eye for the gap.
He unfortunately never got a call up from the Springbok coach, but I feel if he was still alive, by now he would have. Who knows, perhaps he'd be over in France with the Bok squad right now.
This compilation clip shows some of the tries he scored in his time as a professional player. His good nature and friendly attitude will be missed, and I'll never forget the seventh of september for that reason.
Etienne Botha
Born: 8/4/1979
Died: 7/9/2005
0 Comments