Sharks ready for Bulls battle without Etzebeth

As the anticipation builds for the all-South African United Rugby Championship (URC) semi-final clash, the Hollywoodbets Sharks find themselves heading into battle without one of their most formidable weapons - Eben Etzebeth.

The veteran Springbok lock has been ruled out due to a knee injury, but Sharks head coach John Plumtree remains undeterred.

Despite the high stakes, Plumtree exudes confidence in his squad's ability to get the job done when they face the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld this Saturday.

The Bulls have been in red-hot form this season and are widely tipped to advance to the final. Yet Plumtree believes the Sharks, fresh off their historic EPCR Challenge Cup victory, are in the right frame of mind to cause an upset.

“We’re really excited about the opportunity to be in a semi-final against a South African team. It’s another derby match.

"We know it’s going to be tough – the Bulls have played really well throughout the competition and deserve to be where they are. They’re a hard side to beat at home. But we feel like we’ve improved a lot and that we’re up for the challenge,” Plumtree stated.

Etzebeth's absence is a significant one. The towering lock was instrumental in guiding the Sharks to silverware in the EPCR final, and his leadership on the field is irreplaceable.

Yet Plumtree emphasized that the team’s strength lies in its depth and adaptability.

“The team is in a really good space, mentally and physically. We’ve come off a good run of victories and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far.

"But we’re hungry for more. It’s about backing ourselves, playing with confidence, and enjoying the occasion.”

The Sharks' path to this URC semi-final has been a story of resilience. After a rocky start to their campaign, the Durban-based side have found form at the perfect time. The Challenge Cup win provided a psychological lift, and Plumtree believes it’s the character built during that journey that gives his men an edge.

“We know we’ll have to be at our best, especially in the set-pieces and at the breakdown. But the players are motivated and focused. It’s another opportunity to test ourselves against one of the best sides in the competition.”