Eben Etzebeth is set to return to the Sharks after a 12-week ban for eye-gouging, bringing a much-needed boost to the team as they face Connacht in the Challenge Cup. Picture: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Eben Etzebeth is nearing the end of his 12-week ban for eye-gouging, and is set to return for the Sharks next weekend, but just how his time away from the game has affected him remains to be seen.
Etzebeth was found guilty of eye-gouging during the Springboks’ 73-0 win over Wales in Cardiff in their November clash.
Etzebeth was involved in a scuffle with Welsh flank Alex Mann, and the most-capped Springbok was seen on TV replays clearly sticking his thumb in his opposition player’s eye. It was the final match of the Springboks’ November tour, after previous victories over Japan, France, Italy, and Ireland. According to World Rugby’s sanctions, Etzebeth was facing a lengthy ban.
Etzebeth was initially sentenced to 18 weeks, but that was reduced by six weeks due to his good disciplinary record during his 141-Test career.
The ban saw Etzebeth’s Springbok availability unaffected, but the Sharks have been without their juggernaut lock for 11 matches since the start of December.
That includes four Champions Cup fixtures and seven United Rugby Championship (URC) clashes.
The Sharks take on Cardiff Rugby on Friday at Kings Park, and it will be the final match the Springbok sits out.
Next week though, the Sharks turn their attention to the Challenge Cup with an away trip to Irish outfit Connacht in Galway.
The Sharks currently find themselves 11th on the URC log, with the Bulls eighth and the Lions seventh. The Stormers are the top SA outfit in second place on the log.
It’s been a tough season for the Sharks though, with just five wins, six losses, and two draws.
With Etzebeth’s return now imminent, the Sharks will certainly welcome him with open arms.