John Plumtree sheds light on injuries to Sharks' superstar Springboks

It's no secret that the Bok-laden Sharks can put together a potent-looking match XV when all their World Cup winners are fit and ready, but this weekend is not that weekend.

The electric Grant Williams - key to both the Sharks' and Springboks' success this season - is still nursing a neck injury.

"It has been bothering him for several weeks now, so we wanted to give him the best possible chance to recover," the coach said.

"He has not just play-offs coming for us, but potentially also a big international calendar to get through."

Plumtree also opened up on the minor injuries to Jordan Hendrikse and Lukhanyo Am.

"Jordan has a back injury that affected his training this week, so we chose to rest him," he continued.

"Lukhanyo has a little bit of swelling [around the patella], from the 5G pitches and the flight back.

"He had that treated [fluid drained] this week, hoping he is available for next week."

Meanwhile, Trevor Nyakane is still in rehabilitation following surgery on his Achilles in February. Finally, superstar prop Ox Nche has been down with an unspecified illness.

The Sharks host Welsh outfit Scarlets next week in the final round of the URC before the quarterfinals.