Eben Etzebeth is a notable absentee from a 28-man Sharks squad for a two-match European tour which will get below method with a conflict in opposition to Bordeaux-Begles on Sunday.
John Plumtree on Monday named a formidable group for the journey to France and Wales. The Sharks face Bordeaux within the last spherical of pool fixtures within the Investec Champions Cup, earlier than resuming their 2024-25 marketing campaign within the Vodacom URC in opposition to Cardiff at Arms Park subsequent week.
The squad encompasses a steadiness of seasoned campaigners and World Cup-winning Boks minus Etzebeth, who final performed a aggressive match in early December and has been troubled by the after-effects of concussion.
PLUS: Plum upbeat regardless of Toulouse defeat
Additionally ignored for the journey are tighthead prop Vincent Koch, flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse and winger Makazole Mapimpi after they failed their HIA assessments following Saturday’s defeat to Toulouse at Kings Park.
In accordance with a Sharks assertion on Monday, the Bok trio might be monitored this week and “hopefully they may be capable of be part of the staff” forward of the conflict in opposition to Cardiff subsequent Saturday.
There are, nevertheless, welcome returns for prop Ntuthuko Mchunu, free ahead James Venter, scrumhalf Grant Williams, centre Lukhanyo Am and wing Eduan Keyter after various harm and relaxation intervals.
Picture: Steve Haag Sports activities/Gallo Pictures
