John Plumtree isn’t too concerned about a head knock to Eben Etzebeth, and expects the Sharks skipper to be available for a possible Vodacom URC final outing next week.
Etzebeth’s latest injury setback headlined the Sharks head coach’s pre-match conference ahead of Saturday’s URC semi-final against the Bulls at Loftus, with the most-capped Springbok in history again sidelined by head trauma.
“He got a head knock at training, but like I say he’s feeling a lot better already,” Plumtree told reporters on Friday. “He took a knock at training and we decided that it’s best not to risk him this week, so we made a pretty early call.
“He’s feeling a lot better by the way, he’s been communicating with me and the team, and I’m not overly concerned about it, I’m pretty sure that if we go through he’ll be available next week.”
TEAM: Sharks lose Bok champ for Loftus clash
The two-time World Cup winner first suffered concussion in December 2024, leading to a four-month lay-off. A hamstring strain during March’s Springbok alignment camp and a knee issue in May further complicated his availability.
“How much of a loss [is Etzebeth]? Eben’s probably the best lock in the world so it’s a big loss, but the thing is it’s a team game; one person doesn’t make this team and we’ve won games without him this year,” Plumtree said.
The absence of Etzebeth and fellow lock Jason Jenkins forces changes to the Sharks second row. Corne Rahl steps in for the former, with Siya Kolisi assuming captaincy duties, while Emile van Heerden replaces Jenkins.
“Jason is a big loss for us too. He played a pivotal role for us, with Eben being out for so much; he’s played at four, and he’s played at five,” Plumtree added. “It’s really disappointing not to see him in the Springbok squad at the moment as well. I think he deserves to be there.
“Obviously Corne is a different player to Emile, in so many ways. Corne’s more abrasive, and Emile’s the ball winner, and a smart player and a good developer in his leadership as well. We’ve got full backing of the boys, and the boys are really pleased they’ve got this opportunity.”
WATCH: Am-azing Bulls-Sharks action
Plumtree, meanwhile, emphasised his players’ motivation following their dramatic penalty shootout victory over Munster: “I mean, big games like this it’s often your easiest week as a coach; the players are all excited about the opportunity.
“We have to lighten the load a lot around our preparation based on what happened last weekend, but they’re feeling good.”
Jake White’s Bulls beat Edinburgh to secure a successive home semi-final, and boast a 3-2 record against the Sharks at Loftus in the URC.
However, recent form favours the Durban visitors, who claimed both league meetings this season, including a 29-19 upset in Pretoria that will boost confidence.
“Yeah, not just front-foot ball but also the psychological battle, and that’s what it’s all about, these big contests. [The Bulls] are not just a scrummaging team, they’re a good set-piece team, particularly at Loftus,” Plumtree said.
“These are big derby games, aren’t they? The Sharks-Bulls game at Loftus, everyone in Durban I’d say will be watching that game of rugby because it’s based on the contests, what contests there have been over the years, and there’s been some great contests.”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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