On Saturday the Sharks take on The Blues at The Absa Stadium Durban in a top of the table Vodacom Super 14 clash, kick-off is scheduled for 7.10pm.
The pair last met in Durban in last year’s Super 14 semi-final, with the Sharks running out fairly comprehensive 34-18 victors, setting themselves up for a home final.
The teams had clashed in the earlier rounds in Albany, New Zealand, and again the Sharks came out winners, scoring a narrow 32-25 victory.
The Sharks are currently lying in third place with 13 points, while the Blues are on top with maximum points (15) and the visitors will look to retain their unbeaten record end their South African tour on a high.
The Blues are in imperious form and certainly know their way to the tryline, averaging six tries a match in their opening three games. They have scored a bonus point in each of their three games and come to Durban with a fantastic pedigree and in top form.
The Sharks have managed just six tries, scoring their first bonus point against the Bulls last week and have adopted fairly conservative tactics which have won them games given the conditions, albeit not in an open, running style of rugby.
With the weatherman predicting partly cloudy and humid temperatures approaching 30°C and similar conditions for the following few days, there is little chance of rain. Certainly, the humidity will play a role though, and the big question is:, will the Blues have one eye on the match and the other on the plane back home?
Predictions
Super Rugby.co.za: Sharks by less than 10
Rugby365: Sharks by 5
SA Rugby.com: Blues by 5
Keo.co.za: Blues by 7
Head-to-Head:
Bismarck du Plessis vs Keven Mealamu
With the fiery hooker cleared to play, the Sharks front row has a mean look about it and Bismarck du Plessis, understudy to Springbok and Sharks captain John Smit for the past few years, now has the opportunity to shine in the limelight.
Big, strong and athletic, Bismarck is one of the taller hookers around, but with a huge work ethic and work rate, especially in the loose. Add to this his accomplished handling of the basics and you have an extremely valuable player who’s presence in this game will be enormous.
His counterpart is the small, nuggety Mealamu, someone equally adept in the loose phases and someone who revels in open play.
The matching up of these two players should produce an element of excitement as they tackle each other in their own mini battles during the match.
Match Officials
Referee: Brett Bowden (AUS)
Assistants: Julian Pritchard (AUS) Joey Salmans (SA)
TMO: Johan Meuwesen (SA)
Match History
Summary:
Play Won Lost Drawn PF PA
15 7 8 0 366 409
Good luck against the Blues. It should be an exciting game!