Plumtree: 'Devastated' Etzebeth to play key off-field role
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Sharks’ departing head coach, John Plumtree, revealed that Eben Etzebeth’s ban is a significant blow for the Durban franchise.
However, the Springbok enforcer will remain involved behind the scenes over the coming weeks.
The most-capped Springbok was banned for 12 matches after being sent off for eye-gouging Wales flank Alex Mann in the closing stages of last weekend’s 73-0 win in Cardiff.
An independent disciplinary panel determined that contact with the eye was intentional and that a “mid-range” entry point of 18 games was appropriate as a sanction.
Mitigating factors, including the player’s previous record, resulted in the suspension being reduced to 12 weeks.
The ban sidelines him for all four of the Sharks’ Champions Cup pool matches and eight United Rugby Championship fixtures – effectively ruling him out until April.
“Eben is devastated,” Plumtree told reporters on Friday ahead of the Sharks’ Champions Cup opener against Stade Toulousain on Sunday.
“It’s a big blow for us. Obviously, he is one of our star players, an important part of our tight five, and also our leadership.
“It’s not ideal at all. So, he’s very remorseful.”
Plumtree confirmed that Etzebeth will stay connected to the squad despite the suspension.
“I’ve already been sort of dropping in some texts just to liaise with him. He’ll come in and do some coaching with our juniors. He’ll help out some of our seniors as well.
“He needs to be around. He’ll take a break now, obviously. He’s got a pretty young family, but we’ll get him doing some tasks for us which will help.”
Following confirmation of the suspension, Etzebeth was de-registered from the Sharks’ Champions Cup squad – a move Plumtree described as purely for “admin” and to free up space in the 42-man group.
Should the Sharks reach the play-offs in April, he will be re-registered.
Plumtree added that the Sharks – now under interim head coach JP Pietersen – will reassess their lock depth when they return to South Africa after matches against the Saracens and the Bulls.
“We know what the ban is now. So, we’ll obviously look forward to having him back.
“We’ll re-look our lock stocks. We’ve got a couple of injured locks, Corné Rahl and Deon Slabbert, who will hopefully become available to us by the end of December.
“And then we’ve got Jason Jenkins, Emile van Heerden, Marvin Orie.”
