Rassie Erasmus Explains Why Eben Etzebeth Will Not Face France Despite Joining Boks in Paris

Springboks lock Eben Etzebeth has joined the national team in France, but his arrival will not lead to an immediate return to action against the hosts.

Head coach Rassie Erasmus has explained that the experienced forward will not feature in the encounter because the coaching staff want to give him time to regain his match rhythm following his recent injury layoff.

Etzebeth, who has earned 147 Test caps for South Africa, arrived in France on Monday morning after recovering from a knee injury. Although his presence is a boost for the squad, Erasmus believes it would be unwise to rush him straight into a high-pressure international fixture.

The Springboks coach indicated that the lock needs time to settle back into the team’s training environment before being considered for selection.

“Eben just arrived in France, and although we know what he brings to the team, we feel it would be better for him to get back into the swing of things this week after some time on the sidelines,” Erasmus said.

South Africa will instead rely on Lood de Jager and Ruan Nortje in the second row, with Franco Mostert providing cover from the replacements bench. Erasmus explained that the players have spent more time preparing with the squad and are ready for the challenge against France.

Etzebeth’s return followed the withdrawal of uncapped flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed, who suffered a shoulder injury.

The Springboks head into the France encounter with confidence after recording an emphatic 66-7 victory over Italy. However, facing France in Paris presents a much tougher challenge.

Although Etzebeth will miss the match, his return to the squad is encouraging news for South Africa as they look ahead to the remainder of their international campaign.

Erasmus’ decision underlines the importance of managing the veteran forward’s recovery carefully rather than risking an early return before he is fully ready.

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