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Sharks fears mount over latest Eben Etzebeth injury
By Ian Cameron
Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth is set to undergo a scan after sustaining a leg injury during the Sharks’ 29–10 United Rugby Championship win over the Ospreys in Durban on Friday.
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The result secured a home quarter-final for the Sharks and ensured a top-four finish, moving them 12 points clear of fifth-placed Cardiff.
However, the match was overshadowed by concern over Etzebeth.
The giant Bok left the field in the 27th minute after receiving medical attention for an apparent knee issue. The 33-year-old attempted to continue playing but was soon replaced and transported from the field on a medical cart.
It’s the latest injury set-back for the aging Bok, who has played just five games for the Sharks this season.
Sharks head coach John Plumtree said the injury may be a haematoma and said he was hopeful that the 131-cap Springbok would recover in time for upcoming fixtures.
“Hopefully it is just a haematoma that might come right, even before next weekend,” Plumtree said. “He is a pretty quick healer. Hopefully [it is] nothing more sinister. He will get a scan.”
Plumtree also confirmed that the Sharks would continue to field full-strength sides in the build-up to the play-offs.
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Etzebeth only recently returned from a concussion layoff which had sidelined him since December. His status will be closely monitored by both Sharks and Springbok medical staff ahead of South Africa’s first fixture of 2024 — a non-cap international against the Barbarians at Twickenham next month.
The Sharks’ current injury list also includes Grant Williams (neck), Jordan Hendrikse (back), Lukhanyo Am (knee), and Ox Nche (illness).