- The Sharks face their kryptonite, the Bulls, in their final preparation series assignment before they play in the Rainbow Cup.
- Fans of the two teams know that there is nothing friendly or unofficial when the Sharks and Bulls meet.
- The Sharks last confronted the Bulls in a thrilling Currie Cup final at Loftus in January.
The Sharks face their kryptonite, the Bulls, in their final preparation series assignment before they play in the inaugural Rainbow Cup late next month.
Bulls director of rugby Jake White announced his arrival at Loftus by blowing Sean Everitt's men out the water, twice, last year when rugby returned from strict lockdown before the Sharks got their own back at Kings Park in December.
The Sharks-Bulls rivalry grew fresh legs at that point, culminating in the teams facing each other in a tense and fierce Currie Cup final that the Bulls took in extra time.
While this game has the "preparation" caveat prefixed to it, fans know that there is nothing friendly or unofficial when the two teams meet.
White said on Thursday that he expected the Sharks, who have World Cup winners Lukhanyo Am, Thomas du Toit and Siya Kolisi in their mix, to throw the kitchen sink at them.
Everitt didn't dispute that assertion.
"In every single rugby game you throw in the kitchen sink from a physicality point of view because that's why we play the game," said Everitt.
"Our focus this week has only been on ourselves. There were a lot of things we had to get right after the Lions game.
"We've played the Bulls under Jake a number of times over the last 12 months and we've got a fair idea of what's coming.
"At the end of the day, the Bulls thrive on momentum and they've got a good kicking game with Morne Steyn at 10.
"They've got a youngster, Richard Kriel, at fullback who's done well for them. I know him from the junior age groups.
"It will be an entertaining affair I'm sure but the Bulls coaches will use it as a measuring stick to see where the youngsters are."
Everitt was correct about Kriel. The younger brother to David, who plays the same position at the Bulls, has proven equally adept in the senior team.
The Sharks also have youth in flyhalf Boeta Chamberlain, the 22-year-old Paarl Boys High product, who will marshal an experienced backline on his outside.
With captain Am at the dials in midfield, Chamberlain should have comfort to play freely and dictate terms, exactly what Everitt wants out of this Bulls game.
"We wanted to play an exciting brand of rugby in the preparation series, it is part of our game model," said Everitt.
"We play the conditions and according to what we are given. We did give the players a little bit more freedom.
"But, if you want to win rugby games, you've got to have a blend and a perfect mix between that [attacking] and kicking game.
"I think maybe we overdid it against the Lions. We wanted to play quickly.
"Friday night I am looking for better decision-making from our game managers. I'm not saying we are going to be conservative, but we need to be a little bit more streetwise in areas where we're under the pump as well as when we exit, which we struggled on a few times last week."
Kick-off at Kings Park is at 19:00.
Teams:
Sharks
15 Anthony Volmink, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Marius Louw, 11 Yaw Penxe, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Ruben van Heerden, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Fez Mbatha, 1 Ox Nche
Substitutes: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 John-Hubert Meyer, 19 JJ van der Mescht, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Sanele Nohamba, 22 Rynhardt Jonker, 23 Aphelele Fassi
Bulls
15 Richard Kriel, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 Marnus Potgieter, 12 Dawid Kellerman, 11 Diego Appollis, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Nizaam Carr (captain), 7 Tim Agaba, 6 Werner Gouws, 5 Janko Swanepoel, 4 Jan Uys, 3 Marcel van der Merwe, 2 Schalk Erasmus, 1 Lizo Gqoboka
Substitutes: 16 Janco Uys, 17 Jacques van Rooyen, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Raynard Roets, 20 WJ Steenkamp, 21 Keagan Johannes, 22 Clinton Swart, 23 Jay-Cee Nel, 24 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 25 Reinhardt Ludwig, 26 Bernard van der Linde, 27 Niel Beukes