AUDIO: Eben's body is 'just a bit broken'

INJURY UPDATE: Record-breaking Springbok Eben Etzebeth is beginning to show the ‘wear-and-tear’ of a brutal and long international season.

It is uncertain when he will be available for the Sharks.

Etzebeth is one of two double World Cup-winning Springboks that won’t feature against the Stormers as the United Rugby Championship resumes with a Round Seven coastal derby at Kings Park on Saturday.

Hooker Bongi Mbonambi is unavailable as he has a family bereavement and did not join the Sharks this week, after returning from South Africa’s victorious year-end tour – which saw them record wins over Scotland, England and Wales.

However, star lock Eben Etzebeth was the biggest casualty after he left the field in the 30th minute of the 45-12 demolition of Wales in Cardiff last Saturday.

Etzebeth suffered a back injury in the Welsh capital, but Sharks coach John Plumtree said the veteran lock has other issues as well.

(Article continues below the John Plumtree interview ….)

“His body is just a little bit broken,” Plumtree said of the 131-cap veteran, adding: “He has lots of little niggles.

“I wasn’t happy with him playing [against the Stormers].

“He looks a bit dented, to be honest.

“We need to freshen him up.”

Other players missing the Round Seven URC face-off include Ruan Dreyer, Fez Mbatha, Braam Reynecke, Khwezi Mona, Marnus Potgieter and Emile van Heerden.

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Bok skipper Siya Kolisi will captain the Sharks from No.8 – a team that features 14 international players.

The other Boks are Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, Jason Jenkins, Jaden Hendrikse, Makazole Mapimpi, Andre Esterhuizen, Lukhanyo Am, Aphelele Fassi, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Trevor Nyakane, Phepsi Buthelezi, Grant Williams and Jordan Hendrikse.

Apart from Kolisi’s move to No.8, the most significant selection is the halfback combinations – with Jaden Hendrikse starting at scrumhalf and Siya Masuku at flyhalf, while Grant Williams and Jordan Hendrikse are the only backs on a six-two forwards-favoured bench.

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