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Springbok Etzebeth's return hit by 'setback'
By Online Editors
There is still some uncertainty about when Eben Etzebeth will return to the playing field.
The Bok lock was beginning to make his comeback from a shoulder injury he suffered in the Springboks’ tour match against Wales in Cardiff in November last year.
However, Stormers head coach Robbie Fleck said Etzebeth’s return was put on hold due to an injury he suffered in training during the June international break.
“He had a bit of a setback two weeks ago in training. He did a bit of damage to his back, so that set him back a week which affected this week,” said Fleck ahead of his team’s Super Rugby Round 17 clash against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires.
“Hopefully he has a great week training with the [Western] Province side back at home and we can look at him again from a selection point of view for next week against the Sharks.
“Every time he has a little bit of a setback and obviously it affects his return to play. We can’t really put a time to it, it is a big injury he is coming back from.
“We would obviously like to have him in the mix, but I don’t know where we sit at the moment. We will have to have a look at him again when we get back. I don’t think it is looking promising that he is going to be playing Super Rugby this year with only one game left.”
After their match against the Jaguares, the Stormers face the Sharks in Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday, July 7.
The Stormers have a bye in the final round.
Credit: @Rugby365
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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