Following the cancellation of their final round-robin clash against Western Province and the subsequent week-long postponement of the semi-finals, Sharks coach Sean Everitt has confirmed his squad is fully fit, healthy and available for selection for next Saturday’s semi-final.
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The Sharks will, ironically, be in action against the self-same WP side at Newlands on Saturday, 23 January.
Kick-off is scheduled for 16:30.
SHARKS FINISHED THIRD IN THE FINAL STANDINGS
After their final round tie was cancelled, the Sharks and WP shared the points, meaning the KwaZulu-Natal side finished third in the final standings and had to travel to the second-place finishers, WP.
The match could well be the final one for WP at their hallowed Newlands stadium.
Sadly, the match will be played without spectators in attendance due to Covid-19 protocols, a real shame given the atmosphere the Newlands faithful has created over the years.
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Following initial fears of the Sharks may have to withdraw from the clash due to a spate of players in isolation, Everitt said “All our results from Tuesday’s testing have come back negative so we have been able to get the show on the road and prepare really well”.
That was welcome news for Sharks fans given that several players had tested positive for the coronavirus last week.
“Some of those guys will only start their return-to-play process from tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday,” Everitt confirmed.
“They will have to test negative; tests will be conducted again on Sunday but so far, every player has tested negative with nobody ruled out.”
WP V SHARKS WINNER COULD STILL HOST THE FINAL
The winner of the WP v Sharks clash will play the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 30 January should the Pretoria side beat the Lions in their semi-final.
Failing that, the WP v Sharks winner will host the final.
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