The Sharks head coach has now been able to select from a full squad after Covid-19 delays allowed those not available to get through the protocols and return for contention.

Lukhanyo Am leads the team with flank Henco Venter adding his voice to the leadership that will be required in a high-stakes clash such as this one.

Am, in the lead-up to the game, admitted: “The delay was a blessing in disguise, giving teams a longer period to prepare for the semi-finals and to sharpen up on the issues that needed to be improved upon.”

He added that he didn’t believe there would be a break in their momentum, saying: “With the group we have that’s been together for a long time, missing a week isn’t something that we feel will bite us. It happens in the season anyway, I still believe it came at the perfect time.”

The match has been hyped up as pitting an exciting Cell C Sharks’ backline against a dominant Province pack and Am felt that both sides will be looking to counter their opponents’ strengths.

“We know what Western Province’s strengths are in terms of set-piece dominance, they’ve proven it throughout the comp, so from our side, we’ve been working on us mainly, to try strengthen any parts we feel need working on.

“If we’re able to get our own set-piece going and challenge them on theirs, I think it will be a very exciting game to watch.”

Kick-off at Newlands is set for 16:30.

Sharks - 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Marius Louw, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Sanele Nohamba, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Dylan Richardson, 5. Ruben van Heerden, 4 JJ van der Mescht, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Fezokuhle Mbatha, 1 Ox Nche.

Replacements - 16 Daniel Jooste, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 Michael Kumbirai, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Thembelani Bholi, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Jeremy Ward, 23 Manie Libbok.

- Sharks