Eben Etzebeth has endured an injury-plagued season at the Sharks, having missed a large part of the team’s northern hemisphere campaign due to concussion and related symptoms that persisted for an extended period afterwards.
The Springbok star then sustained an injury niggle during a national alignment camp before recently making a return to action.
However, it’s now been confirmed that he will miss this Saturday’s URC semi-final after picking up an injury at training this week, reportedly suffering a concussion in a collision with fellow lock Corne Rahl.
With the Springbok season just a few weeks away, Etzebeth will need to be monitored closely, but it’s quite likely that he will also miss the URC final if the Sharks progress to the title decider.
Sharks without Eben Etzebeth again
Sharks team to face the Bulls: 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.
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Deon Slabbert, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Jurenzo Julius, 23 Yaw Penxe.
Date: Saturday, June 7
Venue: Loftus Versveld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 18:15
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Sam Grove-White (Scotland), Adam Jones (Wales)
TMO: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
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