While the team lost 41-14 to Jaguares in Buenos Aires last week, the mood in the camp is still upbeat and the Sharks also consider the Cheetahs to be their toughest test to date.

A whole host of players will be making their return to the side this week and they can include the captain Francois Venter, the centre Nico Lee, the wingers Sergeal Petersen and Raymond Rhule as well as the prop Ox Nche.

The team’s forwards coach, Corniel van Zyl, told OFM Sport that having these players back will make a big difference to their team.

“We will announce the team on Thursday, but the likes of Francois Venter, Nico Lee, Sergeal Petersen and Raymond Rhule in the backline will definitely boost the backs a bit.

“Then upfront we’ve got Ox Nche who is available and they will definitely boost the team a lot”.

The former Italian international added that they will have to be much more clinical this weekend against the side from KwaZulu-Natal.

“I do believe that we left a few points out there because we had a few changes to score and that would have made it closer towards the end.

“It’s really difficult to say, but what I can say is we left points out there.

“We can be more clinical, but then again teams will always struggle in Buenos Aires so it will always be tough to go there and win”.

The team for the match will be announced at 11:00 on Thursday morning and Saturday evening’s clash at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein kicks off at 17:15.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport