The Cheetahs will want to avoid a double against the Sharks after losing 24-17 to the team from KZN in Bloemfontein earlier in the competition. In addition, the Cheetahs will be desperate to return to winning ways after falling short in Bloemfontein last week with a 33-26 defeat to the Lions.

As matters stand, rain is predicted for Friday night and this will place a lot more emphasis on the battle upfront. For the Cheetahs this will be their fourth game in a row where they will play in wet weather, and this could favour them as they have become somewhat used to it.

The Cheetahs forwards coach, Izak van der Westhuizen, told OFM Sport that the battle upfront will be very important.

“The battle upfront is going to be massive,” said the former Cheetahs lock.

“They've got a good scrum and a good maul at the moment. That's an area where we will have to match them and try and get the upper hand.”

The Sharks are expected to load their team with United Rugby Championship players and they continue their pursuit of a home semi-final. This will certainly test the Cheetahs who do not get to face international opposition as oftern as the Shars.

The Sharks-bound loose-forward, George Cronjé, who has been brilliant over the last two weeks in his turn told OFM Sport that they will have to front up physically.

“We want to play against the best of the best,” said Cronjé.

“No matter what team they put out, we have to play them and beat them. Both of their teams are good and we will have to front up physically to beat them.”

Friday’s night’s game between the Sharks and Cheetahs at Kings’ Park kicks off at 19:05.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport