Melbourne - The Sharks have paid a dear price for their impressive 39-12 win over the Western Force on Saturday, with Springbok wing JP Pietersen heading home.

Pietersen is set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury in Perth.

Pietersen made his first start of the season in Perth, after playing off the bench in the victory against the Blues the week before and missing the Sharks' opening round win over the Cheetahs.

According to the Sharks website, coach John Plumtree confirmed that Pietersen will be heading home.

“He has a meniscus tear,” confirmed Plumtree.

“He's returning home and will probably be operated on Tuesday. Hopefully it won't be as bad as it sounds, and we won't know how long he'll be out until after the operation. We're looking to get Mark Richards over at this stage, he's with the Blitzbokke in Cape Town. Hopefully he'll arrive later in week.”

Meanwhile, Jacques Botes and Willem Alberts both took knocks in the game, but Plumtree said both look positive.

“Jacques is struggling a little bit with his ribs but we think he will be OK for the weekend, and Willem is fine, he's just a bit battered and bruised.”

The Sharks play the Melbourne Rebels on Friday, before finishing their Australasian tour against the Chiefs (March 18) and Crusaders (March 25).