Eben Etzebeth is one of the Sharks’ biggest stars. (Photo: Romain Perrocheau/AFP.)
Eben Etzebeth has not sufficiently recovered from the shoulder injury he sustained against Munster and will therefore not feature against Toulouse on Saturday.
The Sharks play away from home in the Champions Cup quarter-final against the French club.
According to reports, Etzebeth’s injury is not too serious and he should only be on the sidelines for a few weeks.
However, the Sharks’ closing tank is practically empty after Emile van Heerden, who lined up as the Springbok fire-eater’s replacement against Munster, also hurt his shoulder.
There is now talk that Vincent Tshituka, who normally serves as a loose forward, will be forced to wear the hat of a lock.
The Sharks in Toulouse without Eben Etzebeth or Jaden Hendrikse #STSR #FamilyST #TOP14 | The team https://t.co/qm53bdWX79
— Stade Addict (@StadeAddict) April 5, 2023
However, the exciting Jaden Hendrikse’s shoulder injury is of a more serious nature and he could be on the crutches list for up to ten weeks. He is therefore involved in a race against time to be ready for South Africa’s first international test of the year.
The Springboks play against the Wallabies at Loftus Versfeld on 8 July.
Meanwhile, Grant Williams is ready to wear the scrum-half jersey against Toulouse.
About Saturday’s game, Lukhanyo says Am the Sharks have gained enough background knowledge after studying the Bulls’ game against the French club.
The Pretorians lost 33-9 against Toulouse last week.
“I think the Bulls did a good job up until the 50th minute of the game, but they conceded hopelessly too many penalty kicks,” said the Sharks’ Springbok centre.
According to Am, the Durbanites’ ability to limit the penalty score to a minimum will play a decisive role in the match.
“We will have to deliver a disciplined performance while also limiting their opportunities within our half area.”
The Sharks’ team will be announced on Friday and the game will start on Saturday at 16:00. The action is broadcast live on SuperSport.
