The match was meant to be played earlier in the season, however, the game was postponed at the 11th hour following a gastro outbreak in the Ulster camp whilst they were in Durban.

As it stands the Sharks are 8th in the standings and with a bonus point win they can move up to as high as fourth provided Franco Smith’s Glasgow Warriors don’t beat the Lions.

The Sharks centre, Rohan Janse van Rensburg, said that in order to beat the team from Northern Ireland they will need to be at their best.

“Our focus is on what we can do as a team to try and beat Ulster here. It is a great opportunity for us since Ulster are playing on our turf and it is important for us to have a good record here at home.

“Playing a quality side like Ulster we have to be at our best. It is a big game for both teams due to our log positions, especially for us because of where we can potentially be in the next few games.

“That is a great motivation behind this weekend’s game for us and the guys know exactly what is needed for them to perform.”

Saturday’s match at Kings’ Park kicks off at 14:00, while at 16:15 the Lions tackle Glasgow at Ellis Park.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport