Plumtree laments loss of Etzebeth in season of too many disruptions

LAST WEEK, Sharks coach John Plumtree had no choice but to keep calm about the loss of influential captain Eben Etzebeth ahead of the United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-final against the Bulls, but after his team had lost 13-25, he admitted it had been a severe blow.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

Last Monday, Etzebeth took a head knock in training and was forced to withdraw from the semi-final. The loss of the most-capped Springbok of all time was exacerbated by the injury to another in-form lock in Jason Jenkins, who was injured in the quarter-final against Munster.

“Eben is the best lock in the world as far as I'm concerned,” the Sharks coach said. “He's our captain, and he inspires those around him. When he’s in our group, it’s probably a different pack, so it was a massive loss for us. Jason, as well, has played so well this year. Two big men who carry really well for us and can win the ball.”