Sharks struggling for locks

The defending champion Sharks have been dealt a massive injury blow that could potentially trip up their Currie Cup campaign.

Already thin on second row resources, the Sharks have lost a lock to injury and could lose a second - as they prepared to host a desperate Griquas team in Durban on Saturday.

Lock JC Astle has been diagnosed with a hamstring strain, suffered in the 22-32 loss to the Pumas in Nelspruit at the weekend, and will spend at least three weeks on the sidelines.

The other starting lock from last week, Etienne Oosthuizen, has an ankle niggle and a call on his availability for Saturday's encounter with Griquas will be made later in the week.

The injury curse did not stop in the second row.

Sharks team doctor Alan Kourie also revealed that burly flank Francois Kleinhans will be out of action for approximately eight weeks with a fractured hand.

The Sharks will look to bounce back from last week's disappointing loss in Nelspruit.

An obviously disappointed Sharks coach Brad Macleod-Henderson said the result shows how tough the Currie Cup competition is.

"With a relatively new squad and with enforced changes due to injuries, opportunities will certainly be presented to the youngsters in our system," Macleod-Henderson said.

"There is great team spirit and energy amongst the players and they are looking forward to the clash on Saturday."