Lambie, Steyn out of touring party
Springbok pair Patrick Lambie and Frans Steyn were the two notable absentees from the Sharks squad named on Sunday that will travel to Australia for next week's Super Rugby qualifier against the Reds in Brisbane.
Utility back Lambie aggravated an ankle injury during the 34-15 win over the Cheetahs on Saturday, while centre Steyn was ruled out of the remainder of the competition due to a Sanzar ruling – he was signed by the union after the April 1 transfer deadline.
Lock Pieter-Steph du Toit is also not in the 24-man squad after also picking up a recurring ankle problem, while loose forward Jean Deysel has been dropped.
John Plumtree's men, however, have been boosted by the fitness of another lock Steven Sykes, as well as prop Tendai Mtawarira, a late withdrawal from the Cheetahs match due to a gastro problem.
The pair are part of 13 forwards named, with 11 backline players selected.
The Sharks squad: Meyer Bosman, Paul Jordaan, Louis Ludik, Charl McLeod, Frederic Michalak, Lwazi Mvovo, Odwa Ndungane, JP Pietersen, Cobus Reinach, Riaan Viljoen, Tim Whitehead; Willem Alberts, Jacques Botes, Anton Bresler, Craig Burden, Marcell Coetzee, Keegan Daniel (capt), Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Wiehahn Herbst, Ryan Kankowski, Jandre Marais, Tendai Mtawarira, Steven Sykes.
