South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth clashes with Scotland’s James Ritchie during the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match at the Stade de Marseille, France. Picture date: Sunday September 10, 2023. Photo: Backpagepix
Eben Etzebeth injury latest: Springboks hint at rotation
The Springboks have hinted that Eben Etzebeth will not be in the matchday squad to face Romania on Sunday as he recovers from an injury.
South Africa’s Eben Etzebeth clashes with Scotland’s James Ritchie during the 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool B match at the Stade de Marseille, France. Picture date: Sunday September 10, 2023. Photo: Backpagepix
The Springboks have kept the injury status of Eben Etzebeth under wraps for now but there are hints as to the makeup of the team to face Romania.
Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones suggested that there would be workload management put into place this week and a few changes would be made to the team.
Will Eben Etzbeth and Siya Kolisi be rested?
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Jones hinted at rest for a few important players, which may mean that we don’t see Etzebeth or Skipper Siya Kolisi in the starting lineup.
More than likely Deon Fourie will slot in at six while Etzebeth also nurses an injury.
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“One of the big focus areas for us this year has been to manage player load,” said Jones.
“Obviously, we want to win every week, but we have a quality squad in which the players are pushing one another for places, so we may make a few rotations.
“It’s important for us to balance the load, so should we progress in the competition we have a squad that is match fit, which will allow us to call on any player at any time when we need them.”
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What’s next for the Springboks
Jones expects a workout for his charges from Romania on Sunday.
“We’ll treat the match against Romania as we do every other game,” said Jones.
“The most important thing is to give ourselves an opportunity to win the match and then we’ll see how things pan out.
“Their coach spoke directly to their fans at home after their last match and said they wanted to make their nation proud. They are a passionate team, and they won’t take a step back in their physicality. They also have good backs and an impressive distance kicking game, so there are plenty of threats they pose.”
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