Akker van der Merwe is set to make his return to action after being named in the Sharks’ 27-man touring squad to Australasia.

Van der Merwe has served his three-week suspension following a punch-up with Schalk Brits, and will be available for the Sharks’ games against the Waratahs, Crusaders and Chiefs.

Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am were rested for last weekend’s disappointing outing against the Reds, but the backline duo also make their return.

However, prop Juan Schoeman was not considered for selection due to a MCL injury.

Sharks squad
Forwards: Akker van der Merwe, Coenie Oosthuizen, Daniel du Preez, Hyron Andrews, Jacques Vermeulen, Jean-Luc du Preez, John-Hubert Meyer, Kerron van Vuuren, Luke Stringer, Mzamo Majola, Philip van der Walt, Ruan Botha, Ruben van Heerden, Tendai Mtawarira, Thomas du Toit, Tyler Paul.
Backs: Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Cameron Wright, Curwin Bosch, Kobus van Wyk Louis Schreuder (captain), Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Marius Louw, Robert du Preez, Sibusiso Nkosi.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images