Plum: Eben's not right

12/19/2024 09:08 AM

Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth's fitness has headlined the injury-hit Sharks' 'disruptive' buildup to Saturday's derby clash against the Vodacom Bulls in Durban.

The Sharks, bolstered by Siya Kolisi's return to captaincy, will face Jake White's charges at Kings Park in round 8 of the Vodacom URC.

However, among those injured for the Durbanites are Bok world champions Etzebeth, Bongi Mbonambi, Grant Williams and Lukhanyo Am, along with Gerbrandt Grobler, Vincent Tshituka and James Venter.

Speaking during a Sharks conference on Thursday, head coach John Plumtree provided insight into the concussed Etzebeth's status while highlighting the challenges his squad faced in their preparations this week.

"It's been a bit of a disruptive week," he told reporters. "We've got sickness in the camp, injuries, and Eben hasn't passed his sway test, so he's unavailable.

"We haven't had a perfect week, but this is the competition. You've got to be adaptable, flexible, and deliver a good performance.

"After 12 days, they've [concussed players] got to pass a sway test, and if not, it's another seven days. But Eben's back is also playing up, and he's going for a scan on his shoulders.

"We're dealing with an athlete whose body's not right, and we need to get him right."

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The Sharks are set to face the DHL Stormers next week at Cape Town Stadium in the URC, before a visit to Kings Park from French giants Toulouse in the Investec Champions Cup in the second week of 2025.

Looking ahead to a demanding schedule, Plumtree added: "I'm hoping to have everyone back by Toulouse, but the next two games will be a little patchy because of Springbok resting and injuries.

"But it's still a good side we're putting out this weekend. These are the challenges that you have – no fun!"

Plumtree's lineup includes a new front row anchored by World Cup winners Vincent Koch and Ox Nche. Kolisi joins Emmanuel Tshituka and Phepsi Buthelezi in the loose trio, while the backline features Boks Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi and Makazole Mapimpi.

After last week's 56-17 loss to Leicester Tigers at Twickenham Stoop in the Champions Cup, Plumtree is expecting a strong response from his players.

"There's always an expected response; we don't like losing, and definitely not by that margin," he said.

"It's good to be back home in front of our supporters and playing against a side like the Bulls, who always bring the best out of us."

Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images

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