The ACT Brumbies won't have to face Tendai Mtawarira in their Super Rugby quarter-final clash after the Sharks' powerful prop forward was ruled out with a knee injury.
Fellow Springbok Jean-Luc du Preez is also out injured, the Durban club said on Monday.
Mtawariwa, 33 and with more than 100 international caps, had been named to play against the Stormers in Cape Town last Saturday but pulled out before kickoff with what the Sharks described as "knee niggle".
The Sharks secured a last gasp 12-9 victory to reach the playoffs and face the Brumbies, who won the Australian conference, but the absence of powerful scrummager Mtawariwa is a setback to the South African team's chances.
Flyhalf Curwin Bosch, who also missed the Stormers game, is fit again and travelled with the team.
The Brumbies take on the Sharks in a quarter-final at GIO Stadium on Saturday June 22, kicking off at 8:05pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO. Ticket info here.
