Bok v Bok: From bros to foes in URC quarterfinal

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The United Rugby Championship quarterfinal clash between the Sharks and Munster certainly does not need any extra excitement.

But the fact that Springbok locks Eben Etzebeth and Jean Kleyn could go head-to-head adds an extra element of intensity.

Etzebeth is set to lead the Sharks in the quarterfinal clash against Munster on Saturday at Kings Park.

The victor will set up a semifinal showdown against the Bulls or Edinburgh, who face each other in the earlier quarterfinal match at Loftus Versfeld.

Etzebeth is the most decorated Springbok, holding the record for the most international caps by a South African (131) and having been crowned SA Player of the Year on two occasions.

The 33-year-old is also a double World Cup winner.

In contrast, Kleyn has seven Springbok caps and five for Ireland, while he was part of the triumphant 2023 World Cup squad.

Kleyn is the more accomplished figure in the URC.

Not only has the lock played 150 matches for the Irish side, but he also helped them win a URC trophy in 2023, beating the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium.

The last time the two enforcers went head-to-head, the Sharks recorded a 41–24 victory over Munster in October.

* Article continues below… 

“We faced each other earlier this season and trained together for a long time at the Stormers and with the Springboks,” Etzebeth told reporters when asked about facing his former Stormers teammate Kleyn.

“It’s always good to go up against fellow South Africans, and I’m sure we’ll get each other in a ruck once or twice and have something to say to each other – in a positive way.

“He’s a good man and a good player for Munster, and I’m looking forward to going up against him.”

* Article continues below…

It has been a disruptive season for Etzebeth.

The lock spent most of the season on the sidelines due to a knee niggle followed by a concussion.

He returned during the 12–3 win over the Scarlets in the last round-robin match, where he played the full 80 minutes.

“The body is quite fresh,” Etzebeth stated.

“However, it has been frustrating with the concussion because there’s not a timeline on a return – it’s all about how your symptoms are and how your body responds to certain treatments.

“So I would think, maybe I’ll be back in a week, and then it takes a bit longer.

“But eventually I got back – and then picked up a hamstring [strain at the first Springbok alignment camp], which added to the frustration.

“It was good to be back, and it was good to get that first 80 minutes under the belt against Scarlets.

“It’s one thing when you play 20 here or 60 there, but when you finally get a full game, you feel like you’re back in the mix.”

The Sharks concluded the URC in third place and secured a home quarterfinal clash for the first time.