Sharks star in doubt for Euro cup duel

31/03/2024 10:10

Head coach John Plumtree is sweating over the availability of lock Eben Etzebeth for the clash between the Sharks and Zebre Parma in Durban next Sunday.

Tries from Aphelele Fassi and captain Lukhanyo Am helped steer the Sharks to a gritty 23-13 victory over Edinburgh at Kings Park in the Vodacom URC on Saturday.

However, the result came at a big cost for the Durbanites, as Etzebeth was forced off at half time with a suspected rib injury.

He was making just his second appearance for the Sharks following a knee surgery, and quoted post-match, Plumtree braced himself for the worst ahead the visit from Zebre in the Challenge Cup round of 16.

"I hope it is just a [rib] cartilage," he told reporters: "If that is the case then it is just two or three weeks.

"He is pretty sore. But there’s still some time to do tests and determine what exactly is wrong.”

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Saturday's result was the first time this season that the Sharks claimed back-to-back wins in the URC, with Plumtree's charges overcoming the late withdrawal of prop Vincent Koch due to a stomach bug in the camp to gain some momentum in the competition.

“There was a lot going on in that game and the boys handled it really well,” Plumtree said.

“Vincent Koch pulling out after sending an early text and losing Eben at half time [was tough]. We’ve had a tummy bug going through the squad and Emile [van Heerden] came down with [it] during the game. He was throwing up at half time and it spread us a bit thin in terms of resources.

“Vincent Tshituka hurt his knee a bit, but he carried on for the full 80 minutes, so I’m hoping that’s an indication that it’s not too serious. I’m proud.

“The boys didn’t panic and adjusted to what was going on.”

Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images

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