Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth has targeted the meeting between the Sharks and Ulster in Durban next Saturday for his long-awaited comeback from injury.
Etzebeth became only the second player to win back-to-back SA Rugby Player of the Year awards on Thursday night, but last featured in a Challenge Cup victory against French outfit Oyonnax on 13 January.
He had knee surgery but speaking during a glittering ceremony in Johannesburg, the 32-year-old lock gave an update on his recovery a little over a week from the Vodacom URC clash at Kings Park.
“I have to get match fit now. You can’t expect to play for the Springboks if you don’t play well for your club,” he said.
“This is the challenge for all the other players who want to be eligible for the Boks this year. I have been training with the team for the past few days and should be playing again within the next week or two.
“Perhaps I can return already next weekend [against Ulster in Durban].”
RECAP: Etzebeth goes back-to-back at SA Rugby awards
Etzebeth, who was nominated for World Player of the Year last year, won the main gong in South Africa for a second successive time after consistently high levels of performances as the Springboks lifted the Webb Ellis Cup for a second time in a row in October.
The Bok centurion is a frontrunner to lead the Boks against Wales at Twickenham on 22 June with Paris-based Siya Kolisi unavailable, as it falls outside the official Test window and Racing 92 are not obligated to release the flanker for international duty.
“We now have to show everyone why we are the world champions and continue to work hard to remain the top team in the [world] ranking,” Etzebeth said.
“I’m very excited and it was nice to see at the alignment camp last week what plans new assistant coaches like Jerry [Flannery] and Tony [Brown] have for the team.”
“It is our goal to win trophies and cups and if you do your part, there is always a chance that you can get recognition in this way.
“I would never say no to an incredible award like this. It is especially special in a World Cup year and I receive it with the greatest humility.
“But to be honest, me and my teammates would rather collect cups.”
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