Van der Merwe, who has two test caps under his belt, has not been named in the starting 22 for the test and is likely to provide back-up after Bakkies Botha was suspended and Danie Rossouw is battling a calf strain.

Rossouw was earlier named to start his 50th test match alongside Blue Bulls partner, Victor Matfield.

The duo will be amongst the eight Blue Bulls players involved in the test match.

Zane Kirchner, Wynand Olivier, Morné Steyn, Pierre Spies and Gurthrö Steenkamp all earned starts, with Chiliboy Ralepelle playing off the bench.

In other Blue Bulls team news, it has been revealed that Jacques-Louis Potgieter will join the Sharks next year.

Potgieter has been in talks with the coastal side for some time now and according to Brenden Nel, rugby editor at SuperSport.com, both the Sharks and Bulls have admitted to the move. It is understood that Potgieter’s need to play in a starting position in order to try and make the Springbok World Cup group next year, has been the main reason for the move.

Van der Merwe will miss the Sharks clash this weekend, but Potgieter should be named in the Vodacom Blue Bulls team to be released later today.

Potgieter injured a shoulder against the Pumas, but is expected fit, as is Jaco Engels, who injured his neck at training on Monday, lock Juandre Kruger and prop Dean Greyling (hip). Gary Botha is also expected to recover from a calf strain to lead the side.