siya kolisi, eben etzebeth, water boy, sharks springboks
Eben Etzebeth remains unavailable to the Sharks, one of several Springboks who are contending with worrying injuries.
The Sharks and Bulls are set to go head-to-head in a highly-anticipated URC clash this Saturday, but both sides are contending with a lengthy injury list, while some Springboks are also on mandatory ‘leave’.
The presence of influential lock Eben Etzebeth has been sorely missed by the Sharks, who has been contending with a “return-of-symptoms from his recent concussion”, which has kept him out of action for a number of weeks now.
“The Sharks take this injury very seriously and player welfare remains our top priority,” a statement Eben is being managed by concussion specialists. He will be cleared to return once they are fully satisfied that his injury has completely resolved.”
On Thursday, the Sharks named the team to face the Bulls, with Vincent Tshituka continuing to carry the leadership responsibilities in the absence of Springboks Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi (who is on mandatory national ‘leave’).
Other Springboks who are unavailable include Aphelele Fassi, Jaden Hendrikse (Springbok leave), Makazole Mapimpi (suspension), Andre Esterhuizen and Ox Nche.
FULL UPDATES ON THEIR INJURIES BELOW
ESTERHUIZEN: Underwent surgery on his knee. Recovery in progress and the knee is healing well. FASSI: Underwent surgery on his ankle. Recovery in progress and the ankle is healing well. ETZEBETH: Suffered a return-of-symptoms of his recent concussion. The Sharks take this injury very seriously and player welfare remains our top priority. Eben is being managed by concussion specialists. He will be cleared to return once they are fully satisfied that his injury has completely resolved. NCHE: Tear of upper arm muscle. Being treated conservatively and recovery in progress.
SHARKS TEAM MISSING KEY SPRINGBOKS
Sharks side to play the Bulls – 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka (c), 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu.
Bench: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Ruan Dreyer, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Lappies Labuschagne, 20 Jannes Potgieter, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Jaco William
Do you think the Sharks could still beat the Bulls?
