The Springboks have received a massive boost as Eben Etzebeth has recovered quicker than expected from his shoulder injury to be ready for the World Cup clash against Ireland.
Etzebeth was a doubt for the big Pool B decider after it was revealed that he suffered an AC joint injury in the opener against Scotland, which forced him off after just 25 minutes.
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The initial prognosis was that the 31-year-old would be out for between 10 and 14 days. This put him in a race against time for the game against Ireland on 23 September, as the Bok coaches prefer to select the matchday team earlier in the week.
However, according to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Etzebeth has made a surprise recovery and has already managed to complete two full training sessions in Bordeaux, where the Springboks prepared to face Romania.
“He will be able to play again in about four or five days,” Mzwandile Stick said during a press conference on Saturday.
“He surprised us. He trained hard in the gym yesterday.”
Etzebeth’s availability is massive for the Springboks, as it means they can field four locks in the matchday-23 against Ireland and properly harness the power of their Bomb Squad.
The Springboks could reunite Etzebeth with Franco Mostert in the second row, while Munster duo Jean Kleyn and RG Snyman provide backup on the bench.
Photo: ROMAIN PERROCHEAU / AFP