Eben Etzebeth’s first appearance on a rugby field in the 2014 season may well be in the green and gold of the Springboks.
The big, physical lock has been out since the final test of last season against France in Paris after undergoing an ankle operation. He was helped from the field at Stade de France in obvious distress. It was hoped that he would be back to play for the DHL Stormers in the coastal derby that will end this phase of the Vodacom Super Rugby season going into the June international season, but Stormers coach Allister Coetzee says that is in doubt.
Although Etzebeth was back running when the Stormers trained last week, Coetzee said he might not be seen in Stormers colours until after the June break.
“He is making progress but because Eben ran with us the whole of last week, that doesn’t mean he is going to be ready to play soon,” said Coetzee after his team’s 24-8 win over the Western Force.
“What we are doing is just trying to get him used to running on that ankle again. It is an easing back process, but it might take some time. We are hoping he might get some game time against the Sharks in Durban (on 31 May) but that is not a guarantee. We might have to wait until after the break.”
Etzebeth himself said in an interview a few weeks ago that he was targeting the Sharks game for his return, and if he does return then, it will enable him to get in the game time necessary for Bok coach Heyneke Meyer to consider him for the match against the World XV at Newlands on 7 June that will start the international season. If he doesn't play against the Sharks, it might be a gamble for Meyer to include him in his June plans.
With Flip van der Merwe having been out for the past few weeks due to suspension, the No 4 lock position may be a concern for Meyer going into the series against Wales. Van der Merwe played No 5 lock on the 2013 end of year tour. It will be interesting to see if he would be prepared to play Etzebeth against the World XV or against Wales if he hasn’t had any game time at a lower level this year.
Other than the Etzebeth situation though, Meyer should be a lot more upbeat after this past weekend’s round of Super Rugby matches, with Johan Goosen producing by far his best game of the season for the Toyota Cheetahs in their excellent win over the Brumbies. With Patrick Lambie out injured, flyhalf is another potential problem area for Meyer as he considers his options for the June internationals.
There was speculation a few months ago that he may select the Bulls’ Handre Pollard as a wildcard in that position for the June series of matches. Pollard is highly rated by Meyer, who is still looking at his pivot options for next year’s World Cup. However Pollard has subsequently been named in the Junior Springbok team for the Junior World Cup to be played in New Zealand at the same time as the June international matches. SA under-20 coach Dawie Theron has also made him his captain.(LEAVE HIM WITH THE UNDER 20 SIDE!!!)
Morne Steyn has been used sparingly in France, where he is not first choice for his club, but should be the first choice (please note ou maaaikie). He was the incumbent on the last tour and played well enough to retain his place. Where the problem comes in is if he loses form or is injured.
Meyer will name a training squad early this week for a camp that will be held in Durban from Sunday. One of his big concerns, aside from those mentioned, must be the amount of time some of his first choice players have spent on the field during Super Rugby. (Meanwhile the abs have been well managed via the central contracting system. When will our hatters learn - its not rocket science although ou rooitwit would think it is!)
Beast Mtawarira, Jannie du Plessis, Willem Alberts and Duane Vermeulen are just some of the first choice Boks who have played every game for their franchises this season, while Bismarck du Plessis only missed one through injury. Frans Steyn in another player who has played almost non-stop although it will be interesting to see where Meyer accommodates him in his plans.
I would not rush Etzebeth. He is far too valauble. The matcha gaisnta world 15 is not priority. The RC is. Trouble is these top Boks will get no rest from the franchises. Pure madnerss the way our players are managed.
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