Eben Etzebeth is ready to overlook Saturday’s conflict towards Scarlets as a consequence of a leg damage, however John Plumtree is assured the Sharks skipper will likely be out there for the URC playoffs.
Etzebeth left the sector on a golf cart throughout final week’s victory over Ospreys at Kings Park with what seemed to be a severe knee damage, elevating issues concerning the Springbok enforcer’s availability for the knockout levels.
“Eben is OK,” Plumtree informed IOL. “I’m not positive if he’ll make it this weekend, we are going to see later within the week, however he’s wanting higher and he ought to be superb going ahead.”
The Sharks head coach expressed satisfaction together with his crew’s complete efficiency towards Ospreys, which assured Durban followers a primary URC quarter-final conflict on 31 Could.
“After reviewing the sport, we have been very proud of how we managed the sport. Our territory and possession statistics have been significantly better than they have been abroad towards Edinburgh and Ulster,” he mentioned.
“Abroad, these stats have been down between 30 and 40%, however they have been much better at house towards the Ospreys. We scored 4 well-worked tries and we’re proud of that.”
WATCH: Eben again on the grind
The Sharks will hope that Glasgow Warriors go down towards Leinster in spherical 18, and so they beat Scarlets to maneuver as much as third place.
Saturday’s conflict carries added significance for Plumtree, whose son Taine is predicted to line up for Scarlets within the Shark Tank.
“I at all times hoped that my youngsters would play on the Shark Tank, ideally for the Sharks, nevertheless it occurs that Taine will likely be enjoying towards us on Saturday,” Plumtree mentioned.
“Taine is my son, I’m very pleased with him and what he has achieved as knowledgeable. He’s nonetheless growing his sport.
“From an emotional aspect, he at all times needed to play at Kings Park within the Sharks jersey, and possibly that will nonetheless occur.”
The household reunion comes towards a harmful Scarlets aspect that enhanced their playoff credentials with final week’s bonus-point win over the Lions at Ellis Park, the place Taine crossed the whitewash in a commanding show.
“We really feel the Scarlets are a greater aspect than the Ospreys; they’re successful video games away from house, they’ve crushed Leinster, and now have crushed the Lions in Johannesburg,” Plumtree mentioned.
“They’ve quite a lot of confidence and are nicely pushed by Wales flyhalf Sam Costelow. The Scarlets are within the high eight and can go increased in the event that they beat us.”
Photograph: Steve Haag Sports activities/Gallo Photos
