Eben Etzebeth has been withdrawn from the Sharks team to face his former side the DHL Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday night.
Etzebeth was named to start in the Vodacom URC derby, which would have seen him face his former team for the first time since he left Cape Town in 2019.
However, the Sharks confirmed on social media on Saturday evening that the two-time World Cup winner has pulled out at the 11th hour due to an undisclosed injury.
A late change to the team sees Corne Rahl move into the starting 15 with Gerbrandt Grobler on the bench 🦈#FearTheFin @vodacom #URC #STOvSHA pic.twitter.com/J9G1CcS0Vl
— The Sharks (@SharksRugby) December 30, 2023
Etzebeth will be replaced in the starting lineup by 21-year-old Corne Rahl, who will form the second row partnership with 23-year-old Emile van Heerden.
Experienced lock Gerbrandt Grobler has been called onto the bench and could make his first appearance of the season.
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