When\u00a0Eben Etzebeth\u00a0made his much-anticipated return to the Sharks in 2022, optimism surged among supporters. <\/p>\n
The formidable lock\u2019s homecoming\u2014along with the arrival of several fellow Springboks\u2014was expected to signal the beginning of a dominant new chapter for the Durban franchise.<\/p>\n
Join RUCK\u2019s Instagram broadcast channel <\/a>and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.<\/p>\n Despite these high expectations, Etzebeth\u2019s tenure with the team has been anything but seamless. Persistent injuries, mandatory rest periods imposed by SA Rugby, and a lengthy suspension have significantly curtailed his time on the field, limiting the influence he was anticipated to have.<\/p>\n One of the most impactful setbacks occurred when the Springbok forward received a 12-match suspension for an eye-gouging offence committed during international duty. Although the incident took place while representing South Africa, the Sharks ultimately bore the consequences. <\/p>\n His absence came at a crucial stage of the season, as the team fought to secure a place in the United Rugby Championship playoffs and qualification for the prestigious Champions Cup.<\/p>\n Another setback for the Sharks<\/p>\n Just as Etzebeth re-entered the squad during a pivotal period of the campaign, misfortune struck once more. The 33-year-old sustained a hip injury in his return match against\u00a0Connacht Rugby\u00a0on 3 April, and he is now expected to be sidelined for approximately two months.<\/p>\n This injury is likely to rule him out for the remainder of the Sharks\u2019 season, intensifying concerns about the overall value derived from his high-profile signing.<\/p>\n A substantial financial commitment<\/p>\n Reports from\u00a0SARugbymag\u00a0indicate that by the conclusion of the current season, Etzebeth will have participated in only 32 of a potential 99 matches for the Sharks. <\/p>\n The Springbok stalwart is believed to earn around \u00a3650,000 annually (roughly R15 million). Across his four-year contract, this equates to an estimated cost of about \u00a395,000 for each full 80-minute appearance.<\/p>\n While Etzebeth\u2019s leadership and on-field impact are undeniable when he is fit, the Sharks have incurred considerable financial and sporting costs due to his extended absences. His situation underscores the inherent risks teams face when investing heavily in marquee players.<\/p>\n LATEST RUGBY NEWS:<\/p>\n Springboks Dominate 2026 World XV<\/p>\n Based on current form and influence, we have selected a best XV in world rugby right now, choosing the standout player in each position.<\/p>\n 15 Thomas Ramos<\/p>\n Cold as ice and arguably the best kicker in the world, Ramos proved it when he slotted France\u2019s match winning kick in the Six Nations.<\/p>\n Even without that unforgettable moment in Paris, he was outstanding throughout the championship. His goal kicking was close to flawless and his playmaking from fullback made him a crucial attacking weapon.<\/p>\n He even moved to fly half against Italy and looked completely comfortable, highlighting his versatility. Performances like that make his place in this team fully deserved.<\/p>\n \u2b50 Save us to your Google Favourites <\/a>for nonstop RUCK content!<\/p>\n 14 Louis Bielle-Biarrey<\/p>\n At just 22 years old, Louis Bielle-Biarrey is redefining expectations for a winger. He is now Bordeaux\u2019s all time leading try scorer and holds the record for the most tries in a single Six Nations, remarkable achievements so early in his career.<\/p>\n From a hat trick on his Champions Cup debut at 18 to helping deliver Bordeaux\u2019s first European title and claiming Six Nations Player of the Tournament honours, his rise has been rapid and emphatic.<\/p>\n Nine tries in the recent championship is extraordinary and he continues to improve.<\/p>\n 13 Tommaso Menoncello<\/p>\n Italy will be pleased with their campaign, even though they slipped up against Wales in the final round.<\/p>\n Wins over Scotland and England, including their first ever victory against the latter, underline what was a highly successful tournament.<\/p>\n At the centre of that progress was Tommaso Menoncello. Although he played mostly at inside centre, he takes the outside centre position here due to the strength of options at 12.<\/p>\n Powerful with the ball in hand, he ranked among the top five for several carrying statistics and finished fourth for total jackals, highlighting both his defensive influence and attacking threat.<\/p>\n 12 Stuart McCloskey<\/p>\n McCloskey has been central to everything Ireland produced in this Six Nations.<\/p>\n Losing the title in the final minute will hurt, but there were still many positives from a campaign that improved as it went on.<\/p>\n With six try assists, the joint highest in the tournament, along with the third most carries, the second most defenders beaten and the fifth most offloads, his influence is clear.<\/p>\n It is easy to see why he earns a place in this team.<\/p>\n 11 Cheslin Kolbe<\/p>\n Few players divide opinion like Cheslin Kolbe, yet when the pressure is highest his impact is undeniable.<\/p>\n While discussion sometimes surrounds his club form in Japan, his Test performances offer a far clearer measure of his quality.<\/p>\n A two time World Cup winner, he has scored in finals, troubled the British and Irish Lions and delivered defining moments for South Africa.<\/p>\n Whether given space or forced under pressure, Kolbe consistently rises to the occasion.<\/p>\n 10 Finn Russell<\/p>\n Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu might have something to say about this choice.<\/p>\n Creativity at fly half rarely arrives with such control. Once seen purely as a maverick, Finn Russell has developed into a commanding playmaker who blends imagination with authority.<\/p>\n Over the summer he became the Lions\u2019 main creative influence, shaping their most dangerous attacks with clarity and ambition.<\/p>\n Whether leading Bath or steering Scotland through tight Tests, he can shift momentum with a single decision.<\/p>\n At his best, Russell does more than manage a match. He controls its rhythm and direction, as he demonstrated during the recent Six Nations.<\/p>\n 9 Antoine Dupont<\/p>\n Even a long spell out with an ACL injury has not diminished Antoine Dupont\u2019s status as rugby\u2019s benchmark.<\/p>\n His list of achievements is remarkable, including World Rugby Player of the Year in 15s in 2021 and in Sevens in 2024, three Six Nations Player of the Tournament awards, Olympic gold and numerous domestic and European titles.<\/p>\n The only player to win both of rugby\u2019s major global individual awards, he represents sustained excellence across formats.<\/p>\n Five Top 14 titles and two European Cups underline his dominance at club level.<\/p>\n CONTINUES ON PAGE TWO<\/a><\/p>\n Like this:<\/p>\n Like Loading…<\/p>\n