Eben Etzebeth set to return to action on Friday
After missing out on 12 matches due to suspension, Eben Etzebeth is now expected to make his comeback for the Sharks on Friday.
There is no doubt that Eben Etzebeth must be buzzing with excitement when contemplating the prospect of returning to action after having to wait on the sidelines as his 12-week suspension for an eye gouge played out.
Finally, the big lock is free to play again, and he is expected to make his long-awaited comeback when the Sharks face Connacht in the EPCR Challenge Cup Round of 16 on Friday night. Kick off is at 21:00.
This match marks Connacht’s 14th knockout appearance as they continue their hunt for a maiden title. Standout performers include Sam Gilbert, who led the pool stage in points and conversions, and Paul Boyle, top try scorer for the campaign.
The Sharks are 2024 EPCR Challenge Cup winners, dropping down after finishing fifth in their Champions Cup pool.
Important time for Eben Etzebeth to return for Sharks
If the Sharks can claim the Challenge Cup title, it would secure a Champions Cup berth next season, but it seems that coach JP Pietersen will be relying on a ‘second string’ side on Friday.
The Sharks have reportedly travelled without Springboks Andre Esterhuizen, Siya Kolisi, Bongi Mbonambi, Grant Williams and other first-choice stars.
However, Etzebeth will provide them with a big boost.
His absence has most affected the Sharks, who have have been desperately fighting for a place in the URC playoffs, but the availability of Etzebeth should now give the coastal side a major boost as the United Rugby Championship and European competitions head into the business end.
Balancing act
Although it seems the Sharks are clearly prioritising their URC campaign – they are 10th on the log with four rounds remaining, seven points behind the eighth-placed Bulls – No 8 Nick Hatton insists they can compete on both fronts.
“When you get to this stage and you are committed to two competitions, you do require a squad effort. We’ve had a good few days of preparation back home in Durban, and hopefully the squad will get us through. We are looking forward to what we can put out (on Friday),” said the Sharks No 8.
“We are excited. This is knock-out rugby. We know we need to win if we are to progress. Galway is not an easy place to go out and win, but we have belief in our systems. We feel there is a good chance of us doing something special here.”
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