Sharks make big Etzebeth call as they face familar foes in Europe

Eben Etzebeth will have to shake off any lingering ring rust as he returns straight to the starting XV as the Hollywoodbets Sharks turn their attention to Europe for Friday night’s EPCR Challenge Cup round of 16 clash with Connacht at the Dexcom Stadium in Galway.

The Springbok lock is available again after completing a 12-week suspension following his red card for an eye-gouging incident on Wales flanker Alex Mann during South Africa’s Autumn Nations Series Test in Cardiff last November.

Etzebeth was sent off late in that match and later accepted the ban, which ruled him out of a significant portion of the Sharks’ domestic and European campaign.

His availability is a timely boost as the Sharks step away from the URC and into knockout rugby on the road, facing familiar opposition in a Connacht side they know well from league duties.

Head coach JP Pietersen has opted for a balanced selection as he attempts to manage a heavy injury toll, test his squad depth and maintain competitiveness during a daunting run of away fixtures over the coming weeks.

“Injuries test the character of the squad, but it gives the next guy in the squad an opportunity,” Pietersen said. “It’s a test of how you bounce back as a group.”

Despite the challenges, Pietersen has been able to field a strong team.

“We’ve got some reinforcements back, Eben is now available and hopefully his return is a big help for us,” he added.

Etzebeth slots into the engine room alongside a new-look pack, bringing physicality, leadership and reassurance at the set-piece. He is one of several Boks named in the matchday 23, with Ox Nche and Vincent Koch packing down in the front row, while Edwill van der Merwe starts on the wing.

Nick Hatton again captains the side from No.8, retaining the jersey despite wholesale changes elsewhere. In total, there are 13 changes to the starting line-up from last week, although Makazole Mapimpi provides continuity in the back three.

The double World Cup winner is the only other player to start again after the Sharks’ victory over Cardiff, bringing experience and big-match pedigree to the contest.

Pietersen has also been able to call on further international quality off the bench, with Vincent Tshituka and Ethan Hooker available off the pine.

Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Ox Nche
2. Eduan Swart
3. Vincent Koch
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Deon Slabbert
6. Tino Mavesere
7. Jannes Potgieter
8. Nick Hatton (C)
9. Ross Braude
10. Jean Smith
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Marnus Potgieter
13. Le Roux Malan
14. Edwill van der Merwe
15. Hakeem Kunene

Replacements
16. Ethan Bester
17. Lee-Marvin Mazibuko
18. Mawande Mdanda
19. Corne Rahl
20. Vincent Tshituka
21. Ceano Everson
22. Siya Masuku
23. Ethan Hooker

Sharks injury list:
Aphelele Fassi, Bongi Mbonambi, Bryce Calvert, Coetzee le Roux, Emmanuel Tshituka, Francois Venter, Grant Williams, Jaco Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Luan Giliomee, Marvin Orie, Matt Romao, Phepsi Buthelezi, Ruan Dreyer, Simphiwe Matanzima, Siya Kolisi, Thomas Dyer, Trevor Nyakane, Yaw Penxe