South Africa's Eben Etzebeth cleared to face Ireland in autumn opener
Monday 6 November 2017 15:06, UK
South Africa captain Eben Etzebeth has been cleared to face Ireland on Saturday after returning to full training.
Etzebeth hurt his ankle in training and spent almost a fortnight on the sidelines but Springboks head coach Allister Coetzee says the lock will be fit for Saturday's Test in Dublin, live on Sky Sports Action from 7.15pm.
"He took part in our training on Saturday, obviously with limited participation, but he is now back in full training," said Coetzee.
"We have no concerns whatsoever about his inclusion and about his leading the team."
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Uzair Cassiem and Coenie Oosthuizen were also passed fit after missing South Africa's 25-24 defeat to New Zealand last month.
"From a wellness point of view we are in a very good shape," he added.
Coetzee has a decision to make at fly half between the regular first-choice Elton Jantjies and Handre Pollard, the latter now fully fit after a litany of injuries.
Jantjies has been playing with Japanese club Shining Arcs for the last three weeks but Pollard has been training with Coetzee at the Springbok preparatory camp and impressing the coach.
Saturday's match in the Irish capital is the first of four Tests in Europe for the Boks, who also face France on November 18, Italy on November 25 and Wales on December 2.
Coetzee says the tour is an important part of preparations for the next World Cup in 2019.
"Our mindset is that it's not the end-of year-tour; this tour is about making sure we improve as a group and keep on growing as a team while also staying on course with our 2019 plan," he said.
"Our standard of play has to be at the level of our last match against New Zealand in Cape Town."
