Rugby-Springboks expect Etzebeth back for Ireland clash

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - South Africa start their journey to the Rugby World Cup in France - OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa - August 12, 2023 South Africa's Eben Etzebeth with fans during the official public send-off for the Springboks REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File photo

MARSEILLE, France - South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth has been ruled out for seven to 10 days with a shoulder injury, director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said on Monday, but is expected to recover for their Rugby World Cup Pool B clash with Ireland on Sept. 23.

Etzebeth went off after 26 minutes of the Springboks’ 18-3 victory over Scotland in Marseille on Sunday, and will definitely sit out the meeting with Romania this coming weekend. It is likely he would have been rested in any event.