Sharks coach Sean Everitt has hailed new signing Eben Etzebeth as “the best lock in the world” ahead of the veteran’s debut for the club.
Etzebeth signed for the Sharks in February but only joined the Durban side in July after his season finished with Toulon, with international duty then keeping the star from making his debut.
The best
Everitt made his evaluation of the Springbok centurion no secret as he looks forward to seeing the superstar’s influence on his Sharks side for their home clash against the Glasgow Warriors on Saturday.
“Eben is the best lock in the world,” said Everitt. “So it’s great to have him and it’s one of the reasons we are starting him.
“We feel we can improve our lineouts and Eben will bring a lot in that area, as well as with his ball-carrying ability.”
Everitt was wary of making too many changes by rushing back all of their Springbok stars and upsetting the balance of the side.
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Instead, the coach has opted for starts for Jaden Hendrikse and Etzebeth, while the rest of the national cohort, including captain Siya Kolisi, will start from the bench.
“We’ve been away for three weeks and the Springboks had a week off and then returned to training last week,” Everitt explained. “We used last week as an integration week for them. They haven’t really had an opportunity to train with the rest of the team, until Thursday, funnily enough.
“Cohesion is important and making too many changes at once can disrupt things a bit. Playing some of the Springboks off the bench is part of our plan. At the same time, it rewards some of the players who did well on tour.
“A good start is crucial against Glasgow and cohesion plays a big role in that.”
Powerful bench
The returnees have given the Sharks boss incredible front-row options to call on, including world champion Bongi Mbonambi, Springbok Ox Nche and promising prop Carlu Sadie who are all likely to make a significant impact from the bench.
“We are blessed with an abundance of quality in our front row,” added Everitt. “To be able to call on the likes of Ox, Bongi and Carlu Sadie certainly helps our cause. Having leaders in Siya Kolisi and Makazole Mapimpi also makes for a very strong matchday-23.”
All eyes will be on Durban to see the Sharks flaunt their blockbuster squad to such an extent for the first time in round five of the United Rugby Championship.
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