Sharks issue 15-word Eben Etzebeth statement as several Boks left out

Eben Etzebeth has been left out of the Sharks’ 28-man touring squad for their three-match trip to Europe, with the Springboks lock awaiting further assessment on a lower-limb injury.

The 34-year-old picked up the problem in Saturday’s 39-22 defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town and will undergo further medical examinations to determine the extent of the damage.

Etzebeth is one of several Springboks missing from JP Pietersen’s travelling group, although not all are absent through injury. Andre Esterhuizen, Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit, Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe are on mandatory rest following a demanding international schedule.

Makazole Mapimpi remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Vusi Moyo is unavailable with a shoulder problem. Phepsi Buthelezi, Fez Mbatha, Hendre Stassen and Yaw Penxe are also on the Sharks’ injury list. There is still no place for veteran Bok Bongi Mbonambi either, with the hooker awaiting the outcome of an internal disciplinary process.

There is better news for Pietersen with Vincent Tshituka and Jaco Williams back in contention after recovering from their respective injuries, and both have been included in the travelling party.

Fixture

Challenge Cup

Lyon

12:00

17 Oct 26

Sharks

All Stats and Data

Upon naming their touring squad, the Sharks issued a brief statement on the 147-cap lock: “Lower limb injury – awaiting a further medical examination to determine the extent of the injury.”

The Sharks begin their European campaign against Lyon in the Challenge Cup on Saturday before returning to United Rugby Championship action with trips to Cardiff and Munster.

Pietersen has selected 17 forwards and 11 backs for the tour, with reinforcements expected to join the squad as the trip progresses.

The Durban side head overseas after back-to-back home wins were followed by defeat to the Stormers, with Etzebeth’s absence adding another concern ahead of a demanding run away from home.

Sharks squad: Cameron Dawson, Deon Slabbert, Eduan Swart, Emile van Heerden, Esethu Mnebelele, Ethan Bester, Hanro Jacobs, Jason Jenkins, Manu Tshituka, Matt Romao, Nemo Roelofse, Nick Hatton, Phatu Ganyane, Stephan Lewies, Tinotenda Mavesere, Vincent Koch, Vincent Tshituka; Bradley Davids, Gianni Lombard, Ivan van Zyl, Jaco Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Litelihle Bester, Murray Koster, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Zekhethelo Siyaya.