Neil Powell: Etzebeth’s Return Raises the Bar for the Sharks

By Samukelo “Sports Mjita” Gambushe

The Sharks have received a timely boost ahead of their crucial United Rugby Championship (URC) Round 15 clash against Edinburgh, with Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth named in the touring squad for Friday’s match at Hive Stadium in Scotland.

Etzebeth, a double Rugby World Cup winner, has been sidelined since December due to head injuries and minor niggles. His return not only strengthens the Sharks’ forward pack but also brings a psychological edge, according to Director of Rugby Neil Powell.

“Eben has been really good for us over the last two weeks,” Powell said, speaking exclusively to Gagasi FM Sports at the launch of The Sharks’ Junior High Performance Centre at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Tuesday. “As soon as he steps on the training pitch, the standards just automatically lift. He demands that of his fellow players. It’s amazing to have him back—he looks in a great frame of mind, and he’s going to be important for us as we aim to secure a home quarter-final and possibly a semi-final.”

The Durban-based side, currently fourth on the URC log, also welcomes back Springbok trio Grant Williams, Lukhanyo Am, and Aphelele Fassi, all of whom have recovered from recent injuries. Their inclusion marks one of the rare occasions this season where the Sharks have had a full-strength squad available.

“It’s a massive boost. This is probably the first time since the Glasgow and Munster games that we’ve had our full complement of players,” Powell explained. “But even with all our stars back, success isn’t guaranteed. We can’t rely solely on talent—we’ve got to pitch up on the day and deliver.”

The two-match European tour is a defining moment in the Sharks’ URC campaign. After facing Edinburgh, the team will head to Ireland to take on Ulster before returning home for the business end of the competition.

“It’s an important tour for us,” Powell noted. “If we want to fight for a home quarter-final and semi-final, we’ve got to be successful in these next two games.”

However, Powell is under no illusions about the challenges that lie ahead, particularly with European conditions and playing surfaces.

“Artificial pitches are something to get used to—the bounce is different, the intensity is higher. That’s a factor we have to adapt to quickly.”

Edinburgh will be brimming with confidence after their recent EPCR Challenge Cup win over the Bulls and boast a strong core of Scottish internationals, making them a formidable opponent.

“It’s definitely not going to be an easy game. Edinburgh showed what they’re capable of by beating the Bulls, and they’ve got quality across the park,” said Powell. “In terms of the bigger picture, these next two games are hugely important for us.”

With momentum, experience, and key players back in the mix, the Sharks are poised for a strong push in their URC playoff ambitions. The match against Edinburgh kicks off at 20:35 on Friday.