Sean Everitt, Sharks coach, on Friday morning confirmed that Janse van Rensburg has been handed a four-match suspension after being sent off for a high tackle in the loss to Leinster in Dublin.

This means that the experienced centre will be forced to sit out the home games against Glasgow Warriors, Ulster and Cardiff, as well as the trip to Loftus Versfeld against the Vodacom Bulls.

“Rohan has done really well since he has been at the Sharks. It has almost rejuvenated his career,” Everitt said.

“His performance on Saturday reminded me of the games he played so well in for the Lions. Losing a Springbok does disrupt us somewhat, but it’s something we have to deal with, because there will always be injuries as well.”

In Janse van Rensburg’s absence, Marnus Potgieter will get an opportunity to show his mettle against Glasgow Warriors on Saturday, alongside Ben Tapuai in midfield.

“I am just so excited for Marnus,” said Everitt. “He gets an opportunity to start in the number 13 jersey.

“I have known Marnus for a long period of time and have been watching him since school level. When he was at the Bulls, he didn’t get much opportunity to start in his preferred position at centre.

“He’s getting an opportunity to play in a position he has grown up playing in, so it’s exciting for him.

“Ben is like one of the coaches on the field. He directs the traffic really well. The game that he played against Leinster, he executed really well and it was one of the best games he’s had for the Sharks.

“The people around him feed off Ben’s energy. He has an abundance of it. Marnus is very fortunate to have a guy alongside him who can guide him through the game, even though Marnus himself is now 23 years old and is not short of experience.”