THE key Currie Cup clash today is the visit of the Cheetahs to the Pumas in an effective quarter-final clash, with the winners going through to the semi-finals.
The Cheetahs are the defending champions and enjoyed a good start to the season by sparring with the Bulls for the top spot before losing their way.
They had a run of losses to the Sharks, Lions and Griquas and now have to beat the Pumas to advance.
Cheetahs captain Carl Wegner is confident his side can rally and do the business in Nelspruit.
“The Cheetahs and Pumas have a lot of history and we are well prepared this week, the vibe is good in the group, the atmosphere is positive and we are tuned in to a quarter-final mentality,” Wegner said.
Cheetahs director of rugby Frans Steyn says his team mostly have their destiny in their own hands.
“Other teams have been doing us a favour and we have an opportunity. We still can qualify for the semis and we have to make it work.”
Tomorrow, the Sharks host the Bulls in Durban. The hosts cannot slip below or move higher than third place.
Vincent Tshituka will lead the Sharks XV against the Bulls as coach John Plumtree continues to integrate his United Rugby Championship stars into the Currie Cup.
The Sharks are on an impressive six-game unbeaten streak.
Both sides have already booked their places in next week’s semi-finals.
On Friday the Lions extended their log lead with a 62-5 against the Griffons while the Griquas defeated Western Province 37-29.
Sharks: 15 Jordan Hendrikse, 14 Litelihle Bester, 13 Jurenzo Julius, 12 Ethan Hooker, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Bradley Davids, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka (capt), 6 Emmanuel Tshituka, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Gerbrandt Grobler, 3 Hanro Jacobs, 2 Dylan Richardson, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu
Replacements: 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Corne Rahl, 20 Lappies Labuschagne, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Lionel Cronje, 23 Jaco Williams