The Hollywoodbets Sharks are poised to welcome back their star lock Eben Etzebeth as they prepare for a crucial stretch of the season. The formidable Springbok is expected to return to the field when the Sharks host Zebre in Durban on March 21 or, at the latest, a week later in a high-stakes clash against the Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) leaders, Leinster.
Cautious Optimism from Plumtree
Sharks head coach John Plumtree has exercised caution in confirming a definite return date for Etzebeth, given previous setbacks in his recovery. However, he expressed optimism at a press conference ahead of the South African Shield decider against the Emirates Lions at Hollywoodbets Kings Park.
“I am too scared to tell you anything positive about Eben as every time I have done that before and raised my hopes we have ended up going backwards again,” said Plumtree. “But he is training with us and is looking really good in training, he trained well this week. We don’t play next week but hopefully he will play for us at the end of the month.”
Judging from Plumtree’s remarks, a return from the bench against Zebre to build match fitness before facing Leinster seems a likely scenario. Etzebeth has been sidelined since early December due to concussion-related issues sustained in the Investec Champions Cup game against Exeter Chiefs.
National Team Considerations
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus also provided an encouraging update on Etzebeth’s progress earlier this week. Erasmus affirmed that the lock was on track to be available for national duty in the 2025 season and did not express major concerns about his recovery.
Etzebeth’s return comes at a crucial time for the Sharks, who have felt his absence in the engine room, particularly with fellow lock Emile van Heerden also sidelined since late December. Van Heerden, who sustained an injury in the Cape Town derby against the DHL Stormers, is set to return to the starting lineup against the Lions. His comeback helps ease the Sharks’ lock crisis, which had forced the inclusion of young Deon Slabbert in the squad.
Loan Signings Highlight Season’s Toll
While the lock situation is stabilizing, the Sharks have had to look outside their squad for reinforcements in other positions due to injuries. Loan player Henry Immelman, brought in from the Bulls, has been selected for the pivotal match against the Lions. Additionally, Scarra Ntubeni was loaned from the Stormers to address a shortage at hooker.
“We have 46 players in our squad so that we still had to go outside to shore up certain positions shows the brutality of the long season and how deep you have to go in each position,” Plumtree remarked. “We already had five top locks and then to go deeper than that shows how much depth you need.”
Immelman’s inclusion in the matchday squad underscores the impact injuries have had on the team’s depth. “He’s had a few weeks here and has got to know a few of the boys. He brings a wealth of experience and that is what we need. He brings a calm head and I am backing him to do well,” Plumtree added.
Sharks Eye South African Shield Glory
The Sharks have an opportunity to make amends for their disappointing defeat to the Lions in Johannesburg last week. The rematch carries extra significance as it determines the winner of the South African Shield.
“We do want to win the Shield and being able to lift that trophy will be meaningful for us,” said Plumtree. “After losing like we did last week it is great to be in a position to put that right so quickly and to be playing for a trophy.”
A victory, regardless of whether they secure a bonus point, would see the Sharks finish level with the Stormers on the log. However, their superior number of wins would secure them the title, as the Stormers no longer have any local derbies left.
Home Advantage and the Path Forward
The Sharks have not played at Hollywoodbets Kings Park since their clash against Toulouse, and they are eager to use their home advantage to boost their performance.
“We haven’t played at home since the game against Toulouse and we are looking forward to the advantages of being back in front of our fans and we are going out to give them something to smile about,” said Plumtree.
With Etzebeth’s return on the horizon, the Sharks will hope his presence can bolster their push in both the URC and the Champions Cup, as they look to finish the season strongly and stake a claim as one of the top teams in the competition.
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