Five key players for Sharks in their first home URC quarter-final

THE Sharks will play their first-ever home quarter-final in the United Rugby Championship (URC) this weekend, and facing former champions Munster will be a big occasion for the home side.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

With a spot in the semis up for grabs, the Durbanites will need a team performance at Kings Park to shut out Munster, who have found a nick for winning play-off games away from home. Independent Media looks at five Sharks players who must lead the side's quest to the top four...

Eben Etzebeth

He said this week his body feels rested for the playoffs, which is an unusual thing considering the long season, but he will want to make up for lost time after his spell on the sidelines when the team forged on in his absence.

Etzebeth’s physicality will be key for the side if they look to get over the advantage line with some big carries.

Equally, he will have to light the fire on defence and at ruck time to halt the cunningness of the Irish at the break-downs. They will look to get under his skin with off-the-ball stuff, and that is where his leadership qualities will have to come through to avoid getting into the handbags.

Aphelele Fassi