Sharks pack their bags
Cobus Reinach has been included in the Sharks touring squad after a hand injury sidelined him in Round Six.
Reinach underwent hand surgery after the Sharks only loss of the competition so far, against the Bulls at Loftus, but looks set to play a role on the overseas leg.
He has been included along with flyhalf Fred Zeilinga who sustained a hamstring injury against the Lions.
Jake White has selected a 27 member squad that departs this Saturday for the Australasian leg of the Super Rugby tournament.
The Sharks have had an easy go of it in the tournament so far and this tour will be a defining one for the season of the Durban-based side.
The Sharks face the Rebels, Crusaders, Blues as well as White's old team, the Brumbies.
"I have gone for 15 forwards and 12 backs, my selection was based on who is fit and healthy, but the nice thing is that there are a lot of guys who can play in different positions," White said.
"We have a lot of players who can cover one or two positions which is good when you’re selecting a touring squad.
"With selection, there are so many factors to consider.
"The idea is that Lourens must get a start, Marcell must get a rest, Willem too. Jean Deysel can’t keep playing without a break. They are all going to have to rotate.
"There must be rotation, but when and how will be influenced by how we play, who is available."
Sharks tour squad:
Forwards: Lourens Adriaanse, Willem Alberts, Dale Chadwick, Marcell Coetzee, Kyle Cooper, Keegan Daniel, Jean Deysel, Bismarck du Plessis (captain), Jannie du Plessis, Wiehahn Herbst, Ryan Kankowski, Stephan Lewies, Tendai Mtawarira, Lubabalo Mtembu, Etienne Oosthuizen.
Backs: Paul Jordaan, SP Marais, Charl McLeod, Lwazi Mvovo, Odwa Ndungane, JP Pietersen, Cobus Reinach, Sibusiso Sithole, Frans Steyn, Tim Swiel, Heimar Williams, Fred Zeilinga.
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