'Eben was immense': Bok lock hits the ground running in Durban
REACTION: Sharks head coach Sean Everitt says Bok lock Eben Etzebeth thoroughly deserved his man-of-the-match award after Saturday’s 40-12 win over Glasgow Warriors in Durban.
Etzebeth was making his debut for the Sharks in that match and he was one of the players who helped lay the foundation for the bonus-point win.
The 30-year-old terrorised Glasgow in the line-outs and he was a powerhouse in open play as well.
Everitt believes Etzebeth proved why he is one of the best players in the world.
“He has fitted in really well. He did his line-out homework last week and he obviously did it thoroughly because he was outstanding in the line-outs on both attack and defence,” said Everitt.
“There was much to admire about his all-round play, so it was a great start for him.
“He is one of the best players in the world, if not the best lock in the world and he certainly played like that and he deserved his man-of-the-match award.”
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#ICYMI: What a debut from Eben Etzebeth! https://t.co/5aErkZaIaE
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The Sharks were not at their best in the first half, especially when it came to their mauls. However, they pulled things together to thump the Warriors in the second 40.
“We encourage players to solve problems on the field.
“We can solve the problems for them during the week but we don’t have that opportunity on a Saturday afternoon. The messages that we can get onto the field are not going to solve issues.
“We are pleased with how we adapted.
“To be fair, it is one of those games where your starting line-up does the hard yards, lays the foundations and tires out the opposition.
“Unfortunately for them [Glasgow], they had a few injuries as well, so that did help our cause, but I am not taking anything away from our boys.
“There was a big impact off the bench as everyone saw.
“Eben was immense in disrupting their line-out, but at the same time, we got quality ball from Hyron [Andrews] as.
“When your line-out functions well you are laying a good foundation to attack.”
Tshituka’s debut
Meanwhile, Etzebeth was not the only player making his debut for the Sharks this weekend.
Vincent Tshituka, who joined the team from the Lions earlier this year, was given a start in the No.7 jersey.
“We are very happy with Vincent as well. He wasn’t well, so he wasn’t in the best shape,” Everitt explained.
“He woke up this [Saturday] morning with gastro symptoms and he was so excited to play.
“He certainly played well enough on his debut and we are very proud of him and he can be very proud of himself.”
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