Final blow for Whitehead

The Sharks will have to play the Super Rugby Final against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday without centre Tim Whitehead.

The midfielder left the field during the Sharks' semifinal victory over the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday with a hand injury and despite being named in their 24-man touring squad he has not joined his teammates in Sydney.

Whitehead confirmed the news on his Twitter account when he sent some of his teammates a message of encouragement which indicated that he is still in South Africa.

"@louisludik @PaulJordaan12 glad to hear you boys are all safe in Sydney! Would do anything to be there with you guys! #bringithome," he said.

The blow leaves the Sharks short on options at inside centre with Frans Steyn unavailable for the knock-out phase of the competition.

Paul Jordaan should be available after recovering from his hamstring strain and could start ahead of JP Pietersen at outside centre, but Whitehead's injury leaves Meyer Bosman as the only player in the squad with any experience in the No.12 jersey this season.

Bosman was used off the bench in the semifinal against the Stormers in a late tactical switch which paid off for coach John Plumtree as Riaan Viljoen, Louis Ludik and Pietersen all turned in impressive displays in their new positions.

The inclusion of Pat Lambie in the squad means that Plumtree could use the versatile Springbok at inside centre where he would face up to Sonny Bill Williams, in order to keep the outside back combination that was so effective against the Stormers intact.