The Sharks are poised to welcome back Springboks Eben Etzebeth and Bongi Mbonambi for their European Champions Cup match against Toulouse in Durban on Saturday night.
The possible return of the duo would be a much-needed boost for the Sharks, who are coming up against Toulouse side packed with French internationals, such as captain and scrumhalf Antoine DuPont.
Etzebeth and Mbonambi missed the Sharks' previous two matches, the United Rugby Championship home win against the Bulls on December 21 and the away defeat against the Stormers in Cape Town on December 28. Both suffered injuried in the preceding Champions Cup match against Exeter Chiefs.
"We are confident he should be okay for the clash with Toulouse,” said the Sharks of Mbonambi in an injury report released last week. “Eben has one more swathe test to do for his concussion symptoms (but) he should be available for Toulouse.”
Bok Outside centre Lukhanyo Am is also expected to be back for the Sharks' match against Toulouse. However, the Durban side are set to be without inside centre Andre Esterhuizen, who was injured in the match against the Stormers after being cleaned out at the ruck by Jean-Luc du Plessis.
“Andre has had a scan. We hoping he won’t need an operation on his knee. It looks like he will be out between four to six weeks, however he will be seeing a specialist for further update on his injury,” Sharks coach John Plumtree said.
Fullback Aphelele Fassi is also set to miss the fixture because of an ankle injury. This could see Jordan Hendrikse move into the No 15 jersey, with Siya Masuku slotting in at flyhalf for the clash.
“Scans have been done. He (Fassi) will see an orthopedic specialist in Durban for his ankle, which is the main concern. The timeline for his injury layoff has not be established as yet," Plumtree added.
Fixtures
Champions Cup
Saturday: Stormers v Sale Sharks 3pm, Sharks v Toulouse 5.15pm, Castres v Bulls 10pm
Challenge Cup
Saturday: Montpellier v Lions 7.30pm
Sunday: Cheetahs v Zebre 3pm
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