The two teams will meet for the first time since domestic rugby resumed in October last year after both of the two previous fixtures were called off due to positive Covid-19 cases.

The Springbok and Sharks prop, Ox Nche, told OFM Sport that Province versus the Sharks is always a big game.

We are pretty excited to finally be playing against Province because they are the only team we haven’t played against the season.

Sharks versus Province is always a pretty big game, so this adds to the excitement of finally playing against each other.

“You will be playing against a lot of guys that played in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, so it’s going to be a good experience, but an exciting one as well.”

During the 2019 Currie Cup final in Bloemfontein, Nche, played for the Toyota Cheetahs against the Golden Lions. This was also the last the time final was contested.

This semi-final in the Mother City kicks off at 16:30.

Meanwhile, at 14:00 the Bulls host the Lions at Loftus Versfeld.

Western Province - 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Dan du Plessis, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Johan du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ali Vermaak.

Replacements - 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Leon Lyons, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 Chris van Zyl, 20 Ernst van Rhyn, 21 Jaco Coetzee, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Ruhan Nel, 24 Sazi Sandi, 25 Tristan Leyds.

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.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport