- Springbok veteran Eben Etzebeth was forced off before half-time during the Sharks' URC clash against the Stormers on Saturday
- Sharks head coach JP Pietersen acknowledged Etzebeth was in pain but stopped short of confirming the severity of the injury
- The timing raises concerns for the Springboks, who face Italy, France and Ireland in November Tests
The Sharks are monitoring veteran lock Eben Etzebeth after the Springbok stalwart sustained a knee injury during Saturday's United Rugby Championship (URC) loss to the Stormers in Cape Town.
Source: Getty Images
Etzebeth limped off the field shortly before the interval during the 39-22 defeat, visibly unable to run, which prompted the Sharks to make a forced substitution ahead of half-time.
JP Pietersen cautious on extent of injury
Sharks head coach JP Pietersen addressed the situation after the match without providing a definitive diagnosis.
"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," he said.
"I'm not a doctor, but he's in pain. He couldn't run, so we had to make the substitution."
Medical staff are expected to fully assess the injury over the coming days to determine how long the double Rugby World Cup winner could be sidelined.
Springbok November tour at stake
The timing of the injury is particularly sensitive given that Etzebeth and some other Springbok players only have a short window to feature for their franchises before reporting back to national duty.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will be paying close attention to the assessment, as South Africa are scheduled to compete in four Nations Championship Tests in November.
The Springboks face Italy at the Allianz Stadium in Turin on 7 November, followed by France at the Stade de France in Paris on 13 November, and then Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on 21 November. A Finals Weekend is scheduled for 27 to 29 November at Twickenham Stadium in London, with kick-off times still to be confirmed.
Losing a player of Etzebeth's experience and physicality at this stage of both the URC season and the international calendar would be a significant blow across the board. Full clarity on his condition is anticipated within days.
Source: Briefly News
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