Springboks news: Will Eben Etzebeth miss the Rugby World Cup?

Springbok stalwart and enforcer Eben Etzebeth is set to be sidelined for longer than expected. So, will he miss the Rugby World Cup?

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There’s good and bad news when it comes to Etzebeth current wellbeing.

So, the bad news is that Etzebeth is set to spend three months on the sidelines. Meaning, he will miss the opener of the Rugby Championship and the remainder of the United Rugby Championship. Thankfully, the world class lock and Bok veteran will be returning in time for the Springboks Rugby World Cup title defence in France later this year.

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SPRINGBOKS TO WELCOME BACK ETZEBETH IN TIME FOR RWC

Initially, it appeared that Etzebeth will only miss a few weeks of action.

However, his injury is far worse than it seemed.

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Sharks coach Neil Powell confirmed this fact in a recent interview.

“Eben’s injury is quite serious,” Powell explained on PlanetRugby.

“In terms of how long he will be out for, I think it’s quite a long time; I’m not 100 per cent sure, but probably 12 or 14 weeks,” he added.

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Therefore, Etzebeth will be fit for selection in time for the RWC in France in September.

“I don’t think he’ll play for us again this season, but he will definitely be ready for the World Cup,” Powell confirmed.

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OPPURTINITY FOR RG SNYMAN?

RG Snyman has been in excellent form for Munster. He was one of their stand-out performers when the Irish-based outfit ended the Stormers 19-match winning run at home. Munster ran out shock 26-24 victors at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

Although this loss negatively impacted the Stormers chances of hosting a home semi final and the overall standings for The Sharks and Bulls (Now, neither side can finish above them), their was a silver lining for SA. That silver lining is Snyman. Despite the loss of Etzebeth, Nienaber can call on a man of similiar physical strength and stature in ‘The Viking’ Snyman. To even be compared in the same sentence as Etzebeth, physically, is a feat on it’s own. Now, the former Bulls lock has an opportunity to stake his claim after missing the whole of South Africa’s season last year.

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