The Sharks have been dealt some injury blows on the eve of departure for their Super 12 rugby foray to New Zealand and Australia.
Lock Philip Smit and former Springboks fullback Justin Swart injured themselves during a light training session on Wednesday.
Smit has a calf strain, whilst Swart suffered a thigh
strain. Both men underwent medical examinations and they will not be touring with the Sharks squad.
Lock Johan Muller has replaced Smit in the squad, while a decision will be made over a back replacement over the weekend.
Border Bulldogs first five-eighth Gareth Wright could be considered but that would leave the back three resources thin.
In that case, fit-again Lions fullback Conrad Jantjes could be drafted from the Cats, while Bulldogs back Chumani Booi is another option.
The team leaves on Thursday for New Zealand, where they will play their first game against the Chiefs on April 12 in Hamilton.
Meanwhile, coach Kevin Putt is already in New Zealand following the death of his father earlier this week.
The coach is in Waikato, where he will meet up with them when they arrive.
Sharks' touring squad:
Backs: Craig Davidson, Josh Fowles, Butch James, Trevor Halstead, Rudi Keil, Andr
Snyman, Wylie Human, Stefan Terblanch , AN Other, Brent Russell.
Forwards: Lukas van Biljon, Gary Botha, Brendon Botha, Eduard Coetzee, Etienne Fynn, Deon Carstens, AJ Venter, Charl van Rensburg, Johan Muller, Roland Bernard, Luke Watson, Brad MacLeod-Henderson, Wayne van Heerden, Shaun Sowerby.
- NZPA
