Daniel's injury opens door for Vermeulen

Daniel was ruled out for up to 12 weeks when he fractured his radius in a 35-7 pre-season win over the Cheetahs on February 3.

The 31-year-old's experience will be missed, but in Vermeulen, who was included in the Durban side's 27-man tour squad to Australia, the Sharks have a versatile player.  

"Jacques is a youngster that has joined us from Western Province - he has an incredible work ethic," said Sharks coach Robert du Preez ahead of the team's departure to Australia.

"He is very talented and he played SA Under-20 and he is a youngster that can cover us in all three [back-row] positions. We are fortunate to have a guy with that ability in our setup."

Meanwhile, Du Preez confirmed that Curwin Bosch will provide flyhalf cover on tour after Benhard Janse van Rensburg, Garth April and Inny-Christian Radebe were not included in the tour squad to play against the Reds and Brumbies.

"We were debating whether to take a second flyhalf," said Du Preez. "The options were Benhard, Garth and also Inny, but I wanted them to get more game time - there was very little to choose between the three of them.

"At this stage, we are happy to go with Patrick [Lambie] and then Curwin will cover him."

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