DURBAN – Eben Etzebeth returns from injury just in time to bolster both the Sharks and the Springboks, as the former prepares for the United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-finals and the latter begins a demanding schedule of 13 test matches this year.
The 33-year-old Springbok lock played his first full match in five months when the Sharks defeated the Scarlets two weeks ago, clinching a top-four spot in the URC and securing a home quarter-final clash against Munster in Durban this Saturday.
Etzebeth had been sidelined with a concussion suffered in December during a European Champions Cup match against Exeter Chiefs, raising questions about his playing future. However, the veteran forward now says he feels physically refreshed.
“It was frustrating dealing with the concussion,” Etzebeth said in the lead-up to the Munster match. “There’s no set timeline—it’s based on symptoms and how your body responds. I’d think I’d be back in a week, then it would take longer.”
Adding to his challenges, Etzebeth later sustained a hamstring injury during a Springbok training camp, further delaying his return. He only began easing back into action in mid-April with brief substitute appearances.
Concerns resurfaced earlier this month when he left the field after 28 minutes against the Ospreys due to a knee knock. Fortunately, he recovered quickly and completed a full 80-minute performance against the Scarlets on May 17.
“It felt great to get a full 80 minutes under my belt,” Etzebeth said. “Playing 20 or 60 minutes is one thing, but going the full distance really makes you feel like you’re back.”
His return is a timely boost for Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus, who is expected to blend experienced players like Etzebeth with rising talent in the upcoming July tests against Italy and Georgia.
