The Sharks' Argentine import Juan Hernandez is likely to recover in time for Saturday's Currie Cup clash against Western Province in Durban.

Hernandez missed last week's win over Griquas but Sharks coach John Plumtree indicated that the Puma pivot will be available this week.

According to Plumtree the Sharks physio and doctor have been working hard with Hernandez to get him ready.

"We're hoping he'll be available this weekend, he wasn't too far away from starting against Griquas [last week]," he said on the Sharks' website.

The Sharks' options at flyhalf is in stark contrast with Western Province who are currently struggling to fill the berth ahead of Saturday's clash.

If Hernandez fails to recover in time the Sharks will have no problem with Monty Dumond who did all his talking on the field, after enduring some criticism earlier in the campaign, . On Saturday he kicked 100 percent of his efforts and scored a try to mark an all round exceptional performance.

"There have been some nice surprises," the coach admitted. "Charl McLeod has been playing well, Monty Dumond has been very consistent as well at flyhalf and the midfield has been consistent without being glamorous; the back three also very good.

"We had to really talk hard to him [Dumond] about his defence or sides would target him and he hasn't let us down and that gives him confidence for the rest of his game.

"His kicking comes naturally and his goal-kicking is really accurate, he?s been a really, really nice surprise for us, especially with the injury to Juan."

The Sharks now go into the second round of matches on top of the table, which, given the hardships they have had to endure in terms of a tough first round schedule and a true test of their playing resources, they have come out with reputations enhanced.