Share

Etzebeth ready for action

Cape Town - After an extended period on the sidelines, Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth is ready to return to the playing field.

The 22-year-old has been sidelined since late last year with ankle and toe injuries, but has finally recovered and is raring to go.

Western Province coach Allister Coetzee said he'd like to see Etzebeth play for WP in their Currie Cup opener against the EP Kings next Friday.

"Etzebeth has worked hard to regain fitness and he's ready to play. I would like to see him work on his match fitness by playing for us before the Boks call him up," Coetzee told SAPA on Tuesday.

However, it's unlikely that Coetzee will get his wish granted. The Springboks are holding a training camp next week, and Etzebeth is expected to be drafted straight into the Bok squad which will be announced on Saturday night.

Other injured WP players making their way back from injuries who could also come into the Bok squad are centres Jean de Villiers and Damian de Allende (both knee injuries) and prop Frans Malherbe (concussion).

Duane Vermeulen, Schalk Burger, Juan de Jongh, Siya Kolisi and Pat Cilliers are all also possible contenders for Springbok duty.

The Boks start their Rugby Championship campaign against Argentina at Loftus Versfeld on August 16.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1200 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1398 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2124 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE