He has rewarded the side that beat the log leaders last week by showing complete faith in their abilities, with the good fortune of no injury issues to hamper continuity in team selection.

With two rounds remaining and the Sharks in fourth spot on the log, they’re looking good for the knock-outs. But not just a participant, explains captain Thomas du Toit.

“We’re not aiming to be in the top eight, we’re looking for a home quarter-final,” he explains. “We’ll treat each game as if it’s our last game and the only opportunity we’re going to get, so the focus on each game is massive.

“We’re treating each game like a final and the value of a home quarter-final can’t be underestimated. We’re playing for that.”

Looking at their opponents, 10th placed Connacht, he admits that they are a little different to their Irish compatriots, but offer threats of their own.

“Munster, Leinster, and Ulster have similar attacking and defensive patterns, whereas Connacht play a freer style of rugby. The other three have more structure, but Connacht is the more physical side, if not one of the most physical sides in the competition.

“Connacht is well prepared and well trained and it’s going to be a big challenge for us.”

Saturday’s match kicks off at 16:05.

Sharks -15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Gerbrandt Grobler, 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 Thomas du Toit (captain), 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.

Replacements - 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Reniel Hugo, 20 Jeandre Labuschagne, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Boeta Chamberlain.