The Sharks have confirmed that Sbu Nkosi will face a spell of eight to 12 weeks out after scans revealed a syndesmosis sprain on his left ankle.
Nkosi will miss the Sharks’ final regular season game against the Jaguares at Kings Park on Saturday and will be replaced by Kobus van Wyk in the starting line-up.
The Sharks need a win and hope that the Rebels slip up against the Highlanders – if they are to secure their progress to the Super Rugby play-offs.
22-year-old Nkosi shone in the recent Test series against England, having made his debut in the opening match and going on to play all three games from the start, grabbing two tries in the process.