Sharks sweat on injured Springbok duo

The Sharks are waiting on medical assessments for Springboks Eben Etzebeth and Jaden Hendrikse who suffered injuries in their win over Munster.

The Sharks booked their place in the quarterfinals of the Heineken Champions Cup with an entertaining 50-35 win over Munster on Saturday. However, Hendrikse would leave the field with his arm in a sling in the first half, while Etzebeth was seen on the sidelines with a bag of ice later on.

In addition, lock Emile van Heerden also picked up a shoulder injury, potentially leaving the Durban franchise a little light at lock going forward.

Speaking to the press after the match, Sharks Director of Rugby Niel Powell said that no call has been made just yet.

"We will assess them with the medical team and we will get clarity on those injuries," he said, as per rugby365.com.

"Emile van Heerden also picked up a shoulder injury, which put us in a difficult spot having two locks injured.

"We will assess them and see if they will recover in time for next weekend's game. If not then it is an opportunity for the next guy to come in and put his hand up.

"We hope they will be fine. They are big players for us in the team, but that is why you have a squad and you need to work for the squad in this competition."

On the performance itself, Powell was pleased with a much-improved effort following last week's loss to the Scarlets in the United Rugby Championship.

"Credit must go to the team for how they actually turned it around," added Powell.

"There was some disappointment after that game against the Scarlets and the boys pulled together and realised that they need to be better. I think from an attacking point of view it was a great performance. We do set high standards for ourselves."

Next up for the Sharks in the URC is Italian outfit Benetton, who they host on 14 April.