Eben Etzebeth Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth remains out of the Sharks mix, but this time due to a hamstring strain. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
The good news regarding Springbok bruiser Eben Etzebeth is that his concussion problem has cleared up, but the unfortunate development is that he picked up a hamstring injury at the recent Springbok alignment camp.
Sharks coach John Plumtree had been hoping to play Etzebeth against Zebre in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash in Durban (2.45pm kick-off), but that is not going to happen.
“Eben strained a hamstring in a running block he did in Cape Town, and that has set him back for a couple of weeks. But from a concussion point of view, he is in a good place,” Plumtree explained after announcing his match-23 on Thursday.
“So, it is good news for him regarding the concussion, but it is bit frustrating for him with the hamstring. But that is life as a rugby player.
“We wait for him to get fit again, but it won’t be long,” Plumtree concluded.
The coach has also provided clarification on two other injured Springboks in Aphelele Fassi and Grant Williams.
“Fassi is three weeks away from playing. He is going well, and will start training with the team soon.
“Grant has had a neck issue for some time, and is not going to play for two to three weeks.
“He has been managing it for a while, and played through it in the Lions mini-series. But he needs to avoid contact for it to properly heal, so we are giving him a break.”
Plumtree added that he was pleased to have in-form flank Vincent Tshituka back from injury.
“I like the balance in our loose trio when Vincent is back and we play Siya Kolisi at No 8 and Phepsi Buthelezi at 7.”
Sharks Team
15 Henry Immelman 14 Yaw Penxe 13 Jurenzo Julius 12 Ethan Hooker 11 Makazole Mapimpi 10 Jordan Hendrikse 9 Jaden Hendrikse 8 Siya Kolisi (captain) 7 Vincent Tshituka 6 Phepsi Buthelezi 5 Emile van Heerden 4 Jason Jenkins 3 Vincent Koch 2 Bongi Mbonambi 1 Ox Nche.
Bench: 16 Fez Mbatha 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu 18 Hanro Jacobs 19 Corné Rahl 20 James Venter 21 Bradley Davids 22 Francois Venter 23 André Esterhuizen.