Etzebeth keeps Bok reins

Rudolph Jacobs

Lock Eben Etzebeth (right) will get a chance to further enhance his stature as Springbok captain on the national team’s tour of Europe next month. Etzebeth, who has led the Boks in seven of their nine Tests this year, was yesterday confirmed as captain after the unfortunate non-availability of the still-injured Warren Whiteley.

Whiteley, who has been ruled out of the tour to Ireland, France, Italy and Wales and is expected to be out of action for two more months as a result of his groin injury.

“Eben has really taken to his role as captain of the Springboks and it makes sense to retain him,” said coach Allister Coetzee.

“I know he is well-respected by talking to opposition coaches and referees, and he enjoys the respect of his peers.”

South Africa’s opponents during their month-long European tour are Ireland (November 11, Dublin), France (November 18, Paris), Italy (November 25, Padova) and Wales (December 2, Cardiff).

The contracted group and identified Boks will assemble in Stellenbosch from October 23 for a four-day training, assessment and conditioning camp in preparation for the tour.

The Bok squad for the end-of-year tour will be confirmed on Sunday, October 29 – the day after the Currie Cup final – and the squad will assemble in Johannesburg on October 31.

Prop Coenie Oosthuizen, who suffered a fractured arm against the Wallabies in Perth at the beginning of September, is making good progress and will be available for selection.

Loose forward Uzair Cassiem sustained a rib injury against the Wallabies two weeks ago in Bloemfontein and the injury has ruled him out for an initial period of six weeks, but he will also be available for selection.

Duane Vermeulen underwent a groin operation recently and the experienced No 8 is currently busy with the final phase of his rehabilitation and he is not available for selection.

Frans Malherbe (prop) has been out of action since June with a neck injury and he is due to resume training early next year, while Jaco Kriel (flank) underwent a successful shoulder operation recently following his injury against the Wallabies in Perth and has been ruled out for six months.

Wing Ruan Combrinck is also out for six months because of his shoulder operation.

Meanwhile, Bok assistant coach Johann van Graan has been released from his contract to join Irish side Munster as head coach.