Having finished third on the log, the Sharks will be eyeing a fifth consecutive victory in the URC – and their second win over the Irish giants this season.

Back in round six in October, the Durban side beat Munster 41–24 at Kings Park. However, this time it’s knockout rugby, and the challenge will be a very different one. Munster, former URC champions, are no strangers to high-pressure playoff matches, and they’ll be all the more determined this time around.

Springbok and Sharks powerhouse centre André Esterhuizen has warned that it’s going to be a tough battle, not just because of the strength of the opposition, but also due to the tricky conditions expected in Durban.

“We obviously come into this with a lot of confidence after four wins on the trot,” said Esterhuizen. “We haven’t necessarily played our best rugby every weekend, but it feels good to know that we can grind out wins when we have to – especially at a damp Kings Park.

“It might not look wet, but once the dew settles in, it gets slippery, and the ball becomes tough to handle. “I think it’s going to be a great game this weekend. They’re coming in with all guns blazing and loads of confidence too.”

André Esterhuizen. Photo: Morgan Piek

Saturday’s quarter-final between the Sharks and the former champions kicks off at 18:30 at Kings Park.

In other quarter-final action, the defending champions Glasgow Warriors will host the Stormers at Scotstoun Stadium in Scotland on Friday night. Then, at 13:30 on Saturday, last year’s runners-up, the Bulls, will take on Edinburgh at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

The final quarter-final sees Leinster facing off against the Scarlets at 16:00 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg