Hooker Craig Burden has been included in the Sharks’ 25-man touring squad to Argentina in the injury-enforced absence of Akker van der Merwe.

Van der Merwe was not considered for selection due to his injury, prompting coach Robert du Preez to call on Burden as his first-choice hooker, with Kerron van Vuuren as the backup No 2.

Meanwhile, prop Beast Mtawarira and scrumhalf Cameron Wright will also miss the trip to Argentina due to injury niggles. Scrumhalf Zee Makhabela and centre Jeremy Ward have been recalled to complete the squad.

The Sharks take on the Jaguares in Buenos Aires this weekend before returning to South Africa to play the Stormers at Newlands in the last round before the playoffs.

Sharks squad:

Forwards – Coenie Oosthuizen,Craig Burden, Daniel du Preez, Hyron Andrews, Jacques Vermeulen, Jean-Luc du Preez, John-Hubert Meyer, Juan Schoeman, Kerron van Vuuren, Mzamo Majola, Ruan Botha, Ruben van Heerden, Thomas du Toit, Tyler Paul.

Backs – Louis Schreuder (c), Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Curwin Bosch, Jeremy Ward, Kobus van Wyk, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Robert du Preez, Sbu Nkosi, Zee Makhabela.

Photo: Steve Haag