The Sharks are sweating that they will be without Skipper and lock Johann Muller for this weekend’s Super 14 clash with the Brumbies in Canberra.
The injury would be a massive blow for the Sharks as coach Dick Muir would have to find a new second row combination and a new captain.
Muller reportedly burst an eardrum in the Dunedin match against the Highlanders last weekend and he was said to be in considerable pain when the Sharks flew from New Zealand to Australia, where the Sharks play their match against the Brumbies and the Waratahs.
Initial indications are that Muller is unlikely to play against the Brumbies.
One player that could come in and fill both positions is former captain AJ Venter who has also played at lock before.
Another worry for the Sharks is the availability flanker Keegan Daniel who is struggling with a lower back injury.