Eben Etzebeth replaces the injured Yaqeen Ahmed in the Springbok squad before Friday’s Nations Championship Test against France in Paris.
Eben Etzebeth, South Africa’s most-capped player, joins the Springboks in France on Monday after recovering from injury. Uncapped fly-half Yaqeen Ahmed returns home with a shoulder problem.
Etzebeth’s Timely Return
Etzebeth has 147 Test caps. Rassie Erasmus left him out of the original touring squad because of an injury. However, the 35-year-old has now recovered and will fly to France to rejoin the group.
His return comes at a key stage. South Africa beat Italy 66-7 in Turin on Saturday. Now they face France at the Stade de France on Friday, kick-off 22h10 South African time. Ireland follow in Dublin on 21 November, and the Finals Weekend begins on 27 November.
Erasmus said Etzebeth brings vast experience and leadership. He also noted that the squad has enough backline cover and several versatile players. Therefore, he chose a lock rather than another back.
Ahmed’s Setback
Ahmed is 20 and was one of six uncapped players in the squad. He missed most training sessions before the Italy game because of a sore shoulder. Consequently, the management decided he should return to South Africa for recovery.
Erasmus said the team feels sad for him. However, he believes the week in camp will help him grow. Ahmed now understands the Springbok systems, and he has also seen how the squad prepares.
The five remaining uncapped players are Riley Norton, Luan Giliomee, Emmanuel Tshituka, Markus Muller and Sebastian de Klerk. All of them are still available for selection.
Lock Depth And The France Challenge
Etzebeth’s arrival gives Erasmus extra options in the second row. Salmaan Moerat missed the Italy Test after back spasms, which flared up minutes before kick-off. It is unclear whether he has recovered.
Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, Ruan Nortje and Norton are the other lock choices. Pieter-Steph du Toit can also play there in an emergency. Even so, Etzebeth’s physicality and leadership look valuable against a big French pack.
Erasmus will name his match-day 23 for France (3.20) on Monday. It remains unclear whether he will pick Etzebeth straight away. He could also save him for the Ireland game in Dublin.
What It Means For The Boks
The Springboks lead the Southern Hemisphere table on points difference. A strong result in Paris would strengthen their hold on a place in the final. Moreover, Ireland and France have both won two of their three matches in the north.
Etzebeth’s return also improves squad balance. He gives the Boks a commanding presence in the lineout and maul. He also has recent experience of big Test matches against New Zealand and France.
The decision shows how Erasmus manages his group. He keeps an eye on depth for next year’s World Cup. However, he also wants the best leaders for the biggest games. Therefore, Etzebeth’s call-up makes sense, even though it costs Ahmed his first tour.
