Sharks vs Western Province Preview & Tips - WP playoff hopes to be dashed by Sharks

Western Province leads the Sharks 8-6 over their last 14 matches. When they met in round three of the 2021 Currie Cup, Province won 32-31 at Newlands.

The Sharks are second on the Currie Cup table and secure of a home semi-final. Victory coupled with a Bulls defeat can however take them top.

At the end of July the Sharks were on the wrong end of a 37-27 scoreline at home to Griquas but have bounced back well since. That was followed by a mighty impressive 35-28 home victory over the Bulls and a 38-31 win against the Cheetahs.

Last weekend the Sharks cruised to a 56-14 victory against the Lions in Johannesburg. It was a dominant display by the Sharks who secured a bonus point with ease.

Sean Everitt has rung the changes for this weekend. Scrumhalf Grant Williams was called up for international duty so Sanele Nohamba starts.

Emile van Heerde and James Venter both start in the forward pack. Curwin Bosch is back from COVID isolation and starts at fullback.

Western Province are currently in fifth position on the table, two points behind the Pumas who occupy the final playoff spot. This is a must-win for the Cape side but even if they do, they are not guaranteed passage into the semi’s.

Inconsistency has plagued Western Province all season. They lost 34-13 to the Bulls after being reduced to 14 men but then bounced back to beat the Cheetahs 40-39.

The following week Province threw away a big lead to draw 40-40 against the Pumas before beating the Lions 35-13. Last week saw Griquas humble Western Province 46-25.

John Dobson has also made a few changes to his Province side. Ruhan Nel starts on the right wing while Paul de Wet comes in for Godlen Masimla at scrumhalf.