Blow for Sharks as Eben Etzebeth ruled out of URC semi-final against Bulls
United Rugby Championship
SPRINGBOK and Sharks lock Eben Etzebeth has been ruled out the much anticipated URC semi-final against the Bulls at Loftus on Saturday. | BackpagePix
Image: Backpagepix
Springbok colossus Eben Etzebeth is out of Saturday’s United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-final against the Bulls and in a further setback, fellow Bok lock Jason Jenkins is also injured.
Etzebeth and Jenkins were the starting second row for last week’s dramatic quarter-final defeat of Munster in Durban, but both picked up injuries in the bruising encounter.
The Sharks’ lock pairing for the trip to Loftus Versfeld is Emile van Heerden and Corne Rahl.
Etzebeth has had an injury-plagued season and his absence against the Bulls is unfortunate.
The most capped Springbok of all time, Etzebeth’s experience, inspiration and brute strength would have been a vital tool for the Sharks against the in-form Bulls pack.
The 33-year-old missed five months of rugby because of a concussion injury and then picked up a hamstring injury at a Bok alignment camp in March.
He has been excellent for the Sharks since making his comeback last month, earning two Player of the Match awards.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will captain the side in Etzebeth’s absence. Kolisi is at No 8 and apart from the new second row, the pack is unchanged.
Coach John Plumtree has also been able to field the same backline that played against Munster. There is a fresh backline face on the bench in the form of Jurenzo “The Boogie Man” Julius. He is back from injury and replaces Francois Venter.
The lock cover on the bench is Deon Slabbert, the 2m, 117kg former Pumas lock. Plumtree also has the option of moving flank Vincent Tshituka to lock during the game, and bringing on Phepsi Buthelezi.
Sharks team
15 Aphelele Fassi 14 Ethan Hooker 13 Lukhanyo Am 12 Andre Esterhuizen 11 Makazole Mapimpi 10 Jordan Hendrikse 9 Jaden Hendrikse 8 Siya Kolisi (captain) 7 Vincent Tshituka 6 James Venter 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne Rahl 3 Vincent Koch 2 Bongi Mbonambi 1 Ox Nche.
Bench: 16 Fez Mbatha 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu 18 Hanro Jacobs 19 Deon Slabbert 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids 22 Jurenzo Julius 23 Yaw Penxe.