Springbok bruiser Eben Etzebeth cleared to face Scarlets in Sharks URC clash

Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth has shaken off a thigh “lamey” and will take his place in the Sharks side to host the Scarlets at Kings Park on Saturday night (7.30pm).

There had been a worry that he would sit out this final United Rugby Championship league game, but as coach John Plumtree says, “Eben is a fast healer".

The news is not as good for Etzebeth’s Bok teammate, Siya Kolisi, who is sitting this one out with a minor injury.

In another change to the forwards, Plumtree is giving Zimbabwean Tino Mavesere a chance at openside flank. He takes over from James Venter.

Also in the forwards, Ox Nche returns at loosehead prop after missing last week’s game, taking over from Dian Bleuler.

Young lock Emile van Heerden is also making his return to the second row, with Jason Jenkins shifting to the bench in place of Emmanuel Tshituka (concussion).

The backline that played well last week against the Ospreys is unchanged for the Scarlets.

The Sharks are highly motivated as they chase a solid performance and a winning one that will, if Leinster defeat Glasgow Warriors later in the evening, guarantee them third place on the log and the honour of hosting the sixth-placed team in the quarter-finals in two weeks’ time.

Sharks Team

15 Aphelele Fassi 14 Ethan Hooker 13 Jurenzo Julius 12 Andre Esterhuizen 11 Makazole Mapimpi 10 Siya Masuku 9 Jaden Hendrikse 8 Phepsi Buthelezi 7 Vincent Tshituka 6 Tino Mavesere 5 Emile van Heerden 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain) 3 Vincent Koch 2 Bongi Mbonambi 1 Ox Nche.

Bench: 16 Fez Mbatha 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu 18 Hanro Jacobs 19 Jason Jenkins 20 Nick Hatton 21 Bradley Davids 22 Francois Venter 23 Yaw Penxe.