Brutal Eben Etzebeth blow confirmed as Sharks name team for Ospreys

The Sharks head into this weekend’s URC clash with the Ospreys knowing their margin for error is gone, but they will do so without Eben Etzebeth after confirmation that the Springbok lock’s season is effectively over.

Etzebeth has had a nightmare season the domestic front and now the 34-year-oldold will sidelined for the next two months with a hip injury, ending his club season. He joins a ridiculously long injury list for the Sharks, which includes – among others – the likes of Aphelele Fassi, Bongi Mbonambi, Francois Venter, Grant Williams, Jordan Hendrikse, Marvin Orie, Ruan Dreyer, Trevor Nyakane and Yaw Penxe.

The Bok giant was a notable omission from the touring squad announced on Tuesday for the overseas URC trip, which includes stops in Swansea and Edinburgh.

He has played just three matches for the Sharks all season.

A Sharks spokesperson confirmed that Etzebeth sustained the injury during the Challenge Cup defeat to Connacht on April 3. That match marked his return from a 12-match suspension for eye-gouging a Welsh player during the Springboks’ final Test of 2025 in Cardiff on November 29.

Fixture

United Rugby Championship

Ospreys

21 - 17

Full-time

Sharks

All Stats and Data

The setback means Etzebeth joins a lengthy injury list that already includes a number of senior internationals, further complicating the Sharks’ push for a top-eight finish. With just four pool games remaining, the Durban outfit – who sit in tenth – realistically need to win all of them to remain in contention.

Despite the mounting injury toll, captain Andre Esterhuizen insists the mood within the group remains upbeat.

“The mood in the camp is really good,” said Esterhuizen ahead of the team’s departure to Wales. “We know we’re building something here and we know we basically need to win four out of four games to stand a chance to get into the top 8. The group is really motivated, we’ve had good chats, good training sessions and we’re looking forward to the challenge ahead.

“We haven’t been the best on the road this year, but that’s something we’re looking to rectify. We know we can play, we have the squad to do that and it’s about doing that every single weekend.

“That’s something we’ve lacked this season. We’re driving consistency in performance and we know if we perform well, we have a good chance of winning these matches. It’s a mindset thing, you need to be switched on for every game, because this is a tough competition and you can lose at any point if you aren’t at your best every game.

“They’re a tough side, especially at home. They play a lot of rugby, they’re physical, they have a nice attacking style of rugby and they’re a side that likes to move the ball around, so we’re looking forward to that challenge.”

Head coach JP Pietersen has named a well-balanced match-day 23, highlighted by a first start for 18-year-old Zekhethelo Siyaya at fullback.

Hollywoodbets Sharks: 1 Phatu Ganyane; 2 Fez Mbatha; 3 Hanro Jacobs; 4 Jason Jenkins, 5 Emile van Heerden; 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 8 Manu Tshituka; 9 Jaden Hendrikse; 10 Jean Smith; 11 Ethan Hooker, 12 Andre Esterhuizen (c), 13 Le Roux Malan; 14 Edwill van der Merwe; 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya.

Replacements: 16 Eduan Swart, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Jurenzo Julius.

Sharks injury list: Aphelele Fassi, Bongi Mbonambi, Bryce Calvert, Coetzee le Roux, Deon Slabbert, Ethan Bester, Eben Etzebeth, Francois Venter, Grant Williams, Hakeem Kunene, Jordan Hendrikse, Jaco Williams, Luan Giliomee, Marvin Orie, Matt Romao, Mawanda Mdanda, Ruan Dreyer, Simphiwe Matanzima, Thomas Dyer, Trevor Nyakane, Yaw Penxe