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Back in action.
South Africa have received a major boost ahead of their Nations Championship clash with Ireland, with Eben Etzebeth earning a surprise recall after initially being ruled out of their November campaign through injury.
The experienced lock was among the high-profile absentees when Rassie Erasmus named his squad last month, alongside Cheslin Kolbe, Handré Pollard and André Esterhuizen. His return now puts him in contention to face Andy Farrell’s side at the Aviva Stadium on November 21.
The 35-year-old has been called up following a setback for fellow second row Salmaan Moerat, who suffered back spasms in the warm-up before Saturday’s 66–7 victory over Italy.
Etzebeth is South Africa’s most-capped international with 147 Test appearances and could go straight into the matchday 23 for Friday’s meeting with France when Erasmus announces his team on Monday.
His inclusion comes as uncapped out-half Yaqeen Ahmed returns home with a shoulder injury. With sufficient cover available in the backline, Erasmus has opted to strengthen his forward options rather than call up another number ten.
“We opted to call up Eben, who will not only bring vast experience to the group at this vital stage of the Nations Championship, but also valuable leadership skills, especially with two important matches against France and Ireland,” Erasmus said in a statement on Sunday.
The Springboks face France on November 13 before travelling to Dublin for their meeting with Ireland eight days later, with Etzebeth’s unexpected return adding another significant option to Erasmus’ pack.
