The match has officially been called off after the was confirmed that there were positive Covid-19 cases among the Sharks tighthead props.

The match between the Lions and Toyota Cheetahs in round three was the first game to get cancelled, while last week's clash between the Lions and Pumas was also postponed.

As things stand, the match between the Bulls and Pumas will still be going ahead as planned.

This will almost surely mean that the Bulls will be crowned as the SuperRugby Unlocked champions.

SA Rugby confirmed the news via a statement.

“Players and team management have been cautioned to practice strict COVID-compliance measures to minimise the risk of infection, following the third cancellation of a Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked match on Tuesday.

“The Sharks’ match with the Stormers in Durban on Saturday has been cancelled following positive tests among the Sharks’ tighthead props.

“It follows the cancellation of the Lions’ matches against the Cheetahs and Phakisa Pumas.

“Players and management are urged to employ extreme caution in their social engagement,” said Jurie Roux, SA Rugby CEO.

“It only takes one careless interaction by a single player to have the knock-on effect that impacts on 45 other players, team managements, the schedule and potentially the destination of the title.

“As fit young athletes it may be tempting to think that they are ‘immune’ to infection and are free of comorbidities that make them vulnerable. But a positive test for one of them can have massive repercussions.

“I trust that team management will underline that message on a daily basis to their playing personnel.”

The Pumas’ match against the Bulls – scheduled for Friday evening in Pretoria – has been pushed back until Saturday, 21 November for player welfare reasons (kick-off time to be confirmed).

The Pumas squad – which returned several positive tests last week – will be re-tested on Thursday. The results will be known on Friday, allowing time for a training session after 10 days in isolation before meeting the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport