South Africa enforcer Eben Etzebeth is set to step into a temporary coaching role with the Sharks after being deregistered from the squad during his suspension for the eye-gouging incident involving Wales flanker Alex Mann.
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The switch comes as head coach John Plumtree prepares to step aside following this weekend’s Champions Cup showdown with Toulouse, leaving the Sharks reshuffling both on and off the field.
Etzebeth was hit with a 12-week ban, though he continues to deny any intent to make contact with Mann’s eye. The suspension was later cut by six weeks after a disciplinary panel considered, among other factors, a glowing character reference from All Blacks legend Ardie Savea.
Despite the reduction, Etzebeth will still miss all four of the Sharks’ Champions Cup pool matches and eight URC fixtures, ruling him out until well into the spring.
With his absence creating a squeeze in their 42-man squad, the Sharks opted to deregister the Springbok lock, freeing up space for additional cover during the long ban.
The plan is to re-register Etzebeth for the knockout stages should the side reach the Champions Cup play-offs in April. Until then, the World Cup winner will be lending his expertise to the coaching group while serving his suspension.
Richie McCaw’s All-time 15 is incredible – Two Boks included
Delving into the archives of rugby greatness, the 40-year-old All Black icon doesn’t throw out praise lightly—his picks reflect the highest regard for players who truly left a mark on the game.
Born on December 31, 1980, in Oamaru, New Zealand, McCaw is widely recognized as one of rugby’s finest openside flankers. Over a glittering career, he captained the All Blacks to back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2015, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest leaders. Known for his grit, intelligence, and unmatched work ethic, McCaw left an indelible mark on rugby history.
Here’s how his all-time dream team shapes up, featuring his handpicked rugby royalty.
The Back-Three: Pure Firepower
15. Christian Cullen (New Zealand)
Known as the “Paekakariki Express,” Cullen was one of rugby’s most electrifying fullbacks, scoring 46 tries in 58 tests for the All Blacks.
14. Julian Savea (New Zealand)
Dubbed “The Bus,” Savea was a dominant winger with 46 tries in 54 tests, including a record-equalling eight tries at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
11. Jonah Lomu (New Zealand)
Rugby’s first global superstar, Lomu is remembered for his barnstorming runs and 37 tries in 63 tests. He famously demolished England with four tries in the 1995 World Cup semi-final.
McCaw on Lomu:
“When I first became an All Black, he was in the team. To play alongside a guy you’ve watched as a young fella was pretty amazing. He made me look silly in training more than once.
“He is one of the absolute superstars of rugby. If you go somewhere rugby isn’t well-known, Jonah is the one name they know. It’s really sad he passed away at just 40. He was a legend of the All Blacks and rugby as a whole.”
The Centres: Power Meets Precision
13. Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
A powerhouse with over 100 caps, Nonu combined brute strength with silky offloads, becoming a linchpin of the All Blacks’ midfield.
12. Jonny Wilkinson (England)
The hero of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup win, Wilkinson’s pinpoint kicking and defensive prowess made him one of rugby’s all-time greats.
McCaw on Wilkinson:
“He’ll go down as one of the greats of world rugby.”
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