Top Springbok suffers concerning injury

The Sharks face an anxious wait following a knee injury to Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth during the 39-22 United Rugby Championship (URC) defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.

The double Rugby World Cup winner limped off shortly before half-time, visibly in discomfort and unable to run, forcing the Sharks into a significant substitution before the break.

Sharks head coach JP Pietersen said they hoped the injury was not as bad as initially feared.

“I think Eben had something with his knee. I’m not too sure, but it looks painful. I think maybe it’s a bruise on his knee.

“I’m not a doctor, but he’s in pain. He couldn’t run, so we had to make the substitution.”

Cause for concern for Springboks and Sharks

The Sharks would hate to lose the services of Etzebeth at this stage of the season, particularly because there was only a brief window for him and other Springbok stars to feature before rejoining the national side.

Four Tests in November will form of the conclusion to the Nations Championship tournament, which will see the Springboks face Italy, France and Ireland as well as one final opponent at the end of November.

With upcoming international commitments on the horizon, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will be watching closely as medical staff evaluate the full extent of Etzebeth’s injury in the coming days

Boks’ end-of-year fixtures

• Saturday 7 November: Italy v Boks
  • Venue: Allianz Stadium, Turin
  • Kick off: 16:00
• Friday 13 November: France v Boks
  • Venue: Stade de France, Paris
  • Kick off: 22:00
• Saturday 21 November: Ireland v Boks
  • Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
  • Kick off: 19:30
• 27–29 November: Finals Weekend
  • Venue: Twickenham Stadium, London
  • Kick off: TBC