Springbok injury updates: Latest on Kolisi, Etzebeth
· The South African
Earlier this week the Sharks named a 28-man squad for back-to-back away matches against the Ospreys and Edinburgh in the URC, while the press release also revealed some important information on Springbok stars Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth.
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In what came as really positive news, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi made his welcome return to the team after overcoming a calf niggle.
There had been a cloud of uncertainty hanging over Kolisi after struggling with this issue for a few weeks, but it will be a massive boost for the Sharks to have the loose forward available as he enters his final stint with the Durban-based side before heading to the Stormers.
Good news on Kolisi, bad news on Springbok and Sharks teammate Etzebeth
As the Sharks welcome Kolisi back, unfortunately they have lost the services of Eben Etzebeth, who suffered a hip injury in his comeback match against Connacht at the beginning of the month.
He has been ruled out for two months, and is expected to miss the remainder of the Sharks’ season, which is a major blow just after he became available again after serving a 12-week suspension.
Sharks enter business end of the season
With the Race to the Eight heating up over the last four weekends of United Rugby Championship pool match action, the Sharks are under no illusion as the enormity of the closing stages of the tournament as they look to meet their ambitions in the competition.
Andre Esterhuizen is back to lead the team in Saturday’s crunch match against Ospreys, while there is also good news with the naming of Jurenzo Julius back in the side.
Kolisi is included alongside locks Jason Jenkins and Emile van Heerden, the pair also back in the side amongst the 16 forwards likely to feature during this testing fortnight period.
Sharks squad
Backs – Ross Braude, Bradley Davids, André Esterhuizen (c), Jaden Hendrikse, Ethan Hooker, Jurenzo Julius, Le Roux Malan, Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku, Jean Smith, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Edwill van der Merwe.
Forwards – Phepsi Buthelezi, Phatu Ganyane, Nick Hatton, Hanro Jacobs, Jason Jenkins, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Fez Mbatha, Ox Nché, Corné Rahl, Eduan Swart, Manu Tshituka, Vincent Tshituka, Emile van Heerden, Willem van den Hever.
Players not considered for selection due to injury: Bryce Calvert, Ruan Dreyer, Thomas Dyer, Eben Etzebeth, Aphelele Fassi, Luan Giliomee, Hakeem Kunene, Coetzee le Roux, Simphiwe Matanzima, Bongi Mbonambi, Trevor Nyakane, Marvin Orie, Yaw Penxe, Matt Romao, Francois Venter, Grant Williams, Jaco Williams.