The team from KwaZulu-Natal chose not to load their team with United Rugby Championship players as they continue their pursuit of securing a home semi-final.

The Sharks go into the game confident after previously beating the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, while they also claimed a Currie Cup double over the defending champions the Pumas.

The Sharks coach, Joey Mongalo, told OFM Sport that there was no temptation to load his team with more seasoned and battle hardened players.

“There was no real temptation to load the team with URC players,” said Mongalo.

“It's a principle we decided on a long time ago. In order to gain buy-in and trust from these guys, we had to make agreements with them in the beginning that they are the Currie Cup team and they are the group that will take us through.

“For us to go back on our word now just because of the temptation of URC players could be something that would possibly dismantle this team.

“It's more about us as coaches and management staying true to our word and the dream that we sold to them.”

Friday nights’ game at Kings’ Park kicks off at 19:05.

Sharks – 15 Nevaldo Fleurs, 14 Yaw Penxe, 13 Murray Koster, 12 Alwayno Visagie, 11 Aphelele Fassi, 10 Lionel Cronjé, 9 Tiaan Fourie, 8 Henco Venter, 7 James Venter, 6 Dylan Richardson, 5 Reniel Hugo (captain), 4 Jeandré Labuschagne, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Khwezi Mona.

Replacements - 16 Dian Bleuler, 17 Dameon Venter, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Marco de Witt, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Celimpilo Gumede, 22 Bradley Davids, 23 Marnus Potgieter.

Cheetahs - 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Dan Kasende, 13 David Brits, 12 Robert Ebersohn, 11 Cohen Jasper, 10 George Lourens, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 George Cronjé, 7 Siba Qoma, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Rynier Bernardo, 3 Hencus van Wyk, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Schalk Ferreira.

Replacements - 16 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 17 Mox Mxoli, 18 Dolph Botha, 19 Friedle Olivier, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Siya Masuku, 22 Rewan Kruger, 23 Evardi Boshoff.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport