Hollywoodbets Sharks coach John Plumtree has provided an update on the injuries of several Springboks who have missed recent matches.

The Sharks will host Stade Toulousain in the Investec Champions Cup at Kings Park Stadium on 11 January.

“Bongi Mbonambi, he will get an x-ray later in the week to ensure his hand has healed properly and is functional,” said Sharks coach in the statement on Tuesday. 

“We are confident that he should be okay for the clash against Toulouse. Vincent Tshituka, he is getting more treatment this week and a fitness test will be done on Friday to see where he is in terms of his injury.  

“James Venter – the fitness test will also be done later in the week to determine where he is at regarding his recovery. Lukhanyo Am – a functional test and X-ray will be done to determine if his injury has healed significantly.  

“Eben Etzebeth – Eben has one more Swade test for concussion symptoms. He should be available for Toulouse. Update on the injuries sustained in the Stormers match: Aphelele Fassi – Scans have been done.  

“He will see an Orthopaedic Specialist in Durban for his ankle, which is the main concern. The timeline for his injury layoff has not been established as yet.  

“Emile van Heerden – he has had a scan. He will see a specialist when he is back in Durban for his knee. Not sure of the exact timelines regarding his injury, at this stage.  

“Andre Esterhuizen – he has had a scan. We hope he won’t need an operation. It looks like he will be out between 4 – 6 weeks, however, he will be seeing a specialist for further updates on his injury.” 

This clash will feature two of last season’s European champions. The Sharks won the Challenge Cup, becoming the first South African team to do so, while Stade Toulousain claimed the Champions Cup. Both finals were held in London.

South Africa will also witness the arrival of French rugby greats Antoine Dupont, who was named the Investec Champions Cup player of the year last season, and Thomas Ramos in Durban.

Stade Toulousain, Chelsin Kolbe’s former club, has won its last five Champions Cup matches and currently leads Pool 1. The Sharks are in fourth place.

BKT United Rugby Championship, DHL Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa 28/12/2024
DHL Stormers vs Hollywoodbets Sharks
John Plumtree of the Hollywoodbets Sharks
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/SteveHaagSport/EJ Langner