Loose forward Philip van der Walt will miss the Sharks' match against the Lions on Saturday due to a neck injury.

Although the Durban-based side will be without Van der Walt, Daniel du Preez has made a timely recovery from an injury niggle and is likely to come in as a direct replacement at No 8.

After last weekend's bye, lock Etienne Oosthuizen and Lwazi Mvovo have recovered from the knocks they took against the Crusaders in the Sharks' last match, and are also available for selection.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images