Head coach John Plumtree is sweating over the provision of lock Eben Etzebeth for the conflict between the Sharks and Zebre Parma in Durban subsequent Sunday.
Tries from Aphelele Fassi and captain Lukhanyo Am helped steer the Sharks to a gritty 23-13 victory over Edinburgh at Kings Park within the Vodacom URC on Saturday.
Nevertheless, the end result got here at a giant value for the Durbanites, as Etzebeth was pressured off at half time with a suspected rib harm.
He was making simply his second look for the Sharks following a knee surgical procedure, and quoted post-match, Plumtree braced himself for the worst forward the go to from Zebre within the Problem Cup spherical of 16.
“I hope it’s only a [rib] cartilage,” he advised reporters: “If that’s the case then it’s simply two or three weeks.
“He’s fairly sore. However there’s nonetheless a while to do checks and decide what precisely is unsuitable.”
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Saturday’s end result was the primary time this season that the Sharks claimed back-to-back wins within the URC, with Plumtree’s costs overcoming the late withdrawal of prop Vincent Koch because of a abdomen bug within the camp to achieve some momentum within the competitors.
“There was so much occurring in that sport and the boys dealt with it rather well,” Plumtree stated.
“Vincent Koch pulling out after sending an early textual content and dropping Eben at half time [was tough]. We’ve had a tummy bug going by means of the squad and Emile [van Heerden] got here down with [it] throughout the sport. He was throwing up at half time and it unfold us a bit skinny by way of assets.
“Vincent Tshituka damage his knee a bit, however he carried on for the complete 80 minutes, so I’m hoping that’s a sign that it’s not too severe. I’m proud.
“The boys didn’t panic and adjusted to what was occurring.”
Picture: Steve Haag Sports activities/Gallo Photos
