Sharks Brace for European Battle as Eben Etzebeth and Other Stars Are Deregistered

The Hollywoodbets Sharks walk into this year’s Champions Cup knowing they’ll have to fight without several of their biggest names. On Thursday morning, EPCR confirmed a list of deregistered players that included Eben Etzebeth, Ox Nche and Siya Masuku, signalling a tough campaign ahead for the Durban side.

Etzebeth’s Red Card Fallout

In South African rugby circles, people are still talking about Etzebeth’s red card against Wales. The Springbok lock was sent off for an alleged eye gouge on Alex Mann during the Boks’ 73–0 demolition in Cardiff. While Etzebeth has already faced the disciplinary committee, the length of his suspension will only be confirmed on Sunday.

With eye gouging carrying potential bans of 12 months or more, the Sharks appear to have accepted the likelihood of a long layoff. Deregistering him before the Champions Cup begins feels like a pre-emptive move rather than a gamble. On social media, fans admitted they expected the worst, with some saying the Sharks are wise to plan around his absence rather than hope for leniency.

Injuries Add To The Disruption

Etzebeth is not the only big name missing. Ox Nche, one of the standouts of 2024 and a World Rugby Player of the Year finalist, has also been removed from the squad. Nche injured his leg during the Springboks’ November opener against Japan at Wembley, and while the Sharks haven’t offered formal updates, the deregistration strongly suggests he’s out for a while.

Loose forward Manu Tshituka, another crucial figure, is also unavailable. His place goes to Junior Bok Batho Hlenkani, who has spent time at both flank and lock and is reportedly set for a move to the Lions next season.

Flyhalf Siya Masuku remains sidelined after his pre-international break injury. Tuks pivot Frederick Potgieter steps in, while Currie Cup-winning Griquas captain Clebo Dlamini replaces Nche.

Corne Rahl, who has a long-term injury, makes way for JJ Scheepers from the Pumas. Phiko Sobahle is registered in Etzebeth’s place, but losing one of the world’s premier locks creates a depth headache. Emile van Heerden’s return offers relief, though it may not fully steady the ship.

Tough European Start Awaits

The timing couldn’t be worse. The Sharks open their Champions Cup journey away to Toulouse on Sunday. The travel schedule adds another layer of complexity because Saracens, their next opponents, play a day earlier and are expected to be in Durban before the Sharks even land back home.

It means the squad that fronts Toulouse will be significantly under-strength, with many top players remaining in Durban to prepare for Saracens. For fans, the frustration is palpable. Some feel the Sharks are already on the back foot before a ball is kicked, while others see this as a chance for fringe players to stake their claim.

Impact Across The Competition

The Sharks aren’t the only team feeling the strain. La Rochelle have deregistered their own powerhouse lock, Will Skelton. His absence will influence their clash against the Stormers in Gqeberha next week.

The Stormers, meanwhile, look far closer to full strength for their campaign opener against Bayonne on Friday night. Only Damian Willemse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Cobus Reinach will be missing.

A Challenging Road Ahead

For the Sharks, this Champions Cup run may be defined by resilience rather than star power. With some of their most influential figures unavailable, the pressure shifts to younger squad members and fringe players to step up on one of rugby’s biggest stages.

South African supporters know this territory well. Injuries, sanctions and intense competition have often shaped local teams’ European experiences. What’s left now is to see whether the Sharks can rise above the disruption and find a way to make this campaign memorable for the right reasons.

{Source:Super Sport}

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