Etzebeth's return for Sharks explained

The Sharks side has been bolstered by four of their back-to-back Rugby Championship-winning Springboks when they face Leinster in Dublin this weekend, but the return of lock Eben Etzebeth is still on ice.

There is no guarantee that the most capped Springbok of all time, with 137 Test matches to his name, will be in action when the Sharks return from their United Rugby Championship tour next week.

The Sharks host Ulster at home on October 17, and it is up to Etzebeth if he wants to feature in that match so soon after the birth of his second child.

The Springbok lock launched his book, ‘Unlocked’, in Goodwood this week and revealed that his second child is expected on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters after the Sharks team announcement on Thursday, coach John Plumtree weighed in on Etzebeth’s availability for the Ulster game.

“He’s not with us here [in Dublin] at the moment, but he will be back with us next week.

“With things related to family, I will leave it up to the Ulster game and see what his mindset is like.

“It’s a massive occasion, having a new baby in the family, and it’s important, if he wants to play, that his mind is on the job.

“If it’s not, then he won’t play, so we will make a call next week,” Plumtree explained.

He said the timely return of Springboks Ethan Hooker, Makazole Mapimpi, Bongi Mbonambi, and Vincent Koch was a boost for the Sharks, who are still on the hunt for their first win in the competition.

The Sharks, after two losses, are 11th in the standings, and Leinster 15th.

Leinster are welcoming back their British and Irish Lions for this game, and should be a tougher outfit having returned from their South African tour without any wins under their belt.

“They are massively important. Having Hooks and Mapimp back is good. They are good in the air as well, with the kicking game now almost being another setpiece.

“And it’s going to be a real contest.

“Hooks is on the wing, and his transition to midfield will happen in time. We’ve seen it with a lot of quality players in South Africa, like Frans Steyn, who started at wing and moved to midfield.

“As he gets more confident in his rugby at this level and his skills improve in his game, then playing in the midfield will certainly be an option for us.

“I know that’s where he wants to be. He has all the attributes of a real quality midfielder. It’s just improving his skill sets as he goes along,” the coach indicated.