Sharks suffer Etzebeth blow ahead of URC semi-final 

The Sharks will go into Saturday’s United Rugby Championship semi-final against the Bulls at Loftus Versveld without captain, Eben Etzebeth.

The towering lock suffered a blow during training, which has left him out of the matchday squad.

He has been replaced by Corne Rahl, who will partner, Emile van Heerden, in the second row.

Sharks coach, John Plumtree, says losing the back-to-back-to-back Rugby World Cup winner is a huge blow for his side.

“He took a knock at training and we decided that it’s best not to risk him this week,” the Sharks boss said after naming his team.

While Etzebeth missed most of the Sharks’ season with a concussion, Plumtree says he is not overly concerned with the latest head knock.

“We made a pretty early call. He’s feeling a lot better by the way, he’s been communicating with me and the team. I’m not over-concerned about it but I’m pretty sure that if we go through. He’ll be available next week and what’s the nature of his injury,” adds Plumtree.