Eben Etzebeth has been passed fit for the Sharks’ Vodacom URC match against Scarlets at Kings Park on Saturday.
The Bok lock limped off the field during last week’s 29-10 win against Ospreys, but has recovered quickly from what turned out to be a leg knock, rather than a knee injury, to retain his place in the starting XV as well as the captaincy.
In more good news for coach John Plumtree, Ox Nche returns at loosehead prop having missed the Ospreys match due to illness.
In other changes to the pack, Emile van Heerden is named in the second row, with Jason Jenkins shifting to the bench in place of Emmanuel Tshituka (concussion), while Phepsi Buthelezi starts at No 8 in the absence of Siya Kolisi, who is being rested.
Scrumhalf Grant Williams and centre Lukhanyo Am remain on the injured list but should be fit for the Sharks’ URC quarter-final, according to Plumtree.
MORE: Sharks to deal with ‘disruptive’ Scarlets
A win against Scarlets could see the Sharks leapfrog Glasgow to finish third on the URC log.
SHARKS – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Eben Etzebeth (c), 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Bench: 16. Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Nick Hatton, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Francois Venter, 23 Yaw Penxe.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
The post Eben’s quick recovery boosts Sharks appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Eben Etzebeth has been passed fit for the Sharks’ @Vodacom #URC match against Scarlets at Kings Park on Saturday.
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