The Rugby Championship
Boks buoyed by Etzebeth boost
ESPN Staff
August 8, 2012
South Africa's Eben Etzebeth plucks a high ball, South Africa v England, Durban, South Africa, June 9, 2012
Eben Etzebeth should be fit for the Boks' opener against the Pumas © PA Photos
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Players/Officials: Eben Etzebeth
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Teams: South Africa

The Springboks have announced that second-row Eben Etzebeth should be fit for their Rugby Championship opener against Argentina on August 18.

South Africa coach Heyneke Meyer revealed on Tuesday that he was considering calling on Bakkies Botha if Etzebeth failed to recover in time to face the Pumas but it seems that Botha will now stay in Toulon after the Stormers lock's condition was said to be improving.

Etzebeth has a hip injury but following a meeting with a specialist in Johannesburg his condition was said to be much better than first feared. He will now undergo further testing on Monday but Boks doctor Craig Roberts is optimistic over Etzebeth's prospect saying: "Eben has responded very well to treatment thus far and we are confident that he will be available for the first Test against Argentina."

Springboks coach Meyer added: "Eben is an asset for South African and Western Province rugby. I have full confidence in our medical team and we will always put the player's future welfare first when we make a final decision, but I'm happy that the news on Eben is good."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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