Etzebeth returns as Springboks look to reignite Sharks’ campaign

IT says a great deal about how seriously the Sharks view their precarious United Rugby Championship (URC) position that they have rushed back Eben Etzebeth for tomorrow's crucial home clash with Ulster.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

Etzebeth had seemed certain to take paternity leave this week as his family welcomes a baby daughter — the second girl in the Etzebeth household — but the Springbok enforcer has chosen to play on for a Sharks side that will be delighted to have his presence.

The Durban outfit currently sit 14th on the URC log.

The Sharks host Ulster at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on Saturday, in a match of growing importance given that they returned home from a winless tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland. They lost to the Glasgow Warriors and Leinster, and drew with the Dragons.

Joining Etzebeth in bolstering the side are heavyweight forwards Ox Nche and Siya Kolisi, alongside scrumhalf Grant Williams and inside centre Andre Esterhuizen.

At flyhalf, Siya Masuku — the hero of last season's EPCR Challenge Cup triumph — makes his first start of the campaign after coming off the bench last week. Jordan Hendrikse, returning from injury, provides cover from what looks a powerful bench.