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Sharks and Stormers chasing the maximum

Saturday 17th May 2008

Last Hurrah?: Should the Sharks not win, it will be the last game in charge for coach Dick Muir

The Sharks and Stormers can thank the Blues for their effort in beating the Hurricanes to make their passage into the semi-finals that much simpler.

Of course, there are still forces that could keep both South African sides out of a top four finish, but they do hold their destiny in their own hands.

Come kick-off at 19:00 (17:00 GMT), the Sharks will know exactly what is required to make the semis, and, with the Reds unable to beat the Waratahs, a home semi is out of reach for either of the Sharks or Stormers.

The Crusaders and Waratahs have an unassailable lead over the Stormers and Sharks, with 52 and 43 points respectively. The two South African sides, both on 47 points, need maximum five point hauls to take third and fourth places and leapfrog the current teams, Hurricanes (41) and Blues (40).

Should either of the Sharks or Stormers only get four table points, they would most likely not finish above the Hurricanes who have a 106 point-differential stat (the Stormers would have to win by 58 points, the Sharks by 67), and so five-pointers are crucial.

Should the Stormers lose to the Lions, the Sharks will need just four table points to finish in fourth spot, but would then have to play away in both the semi and final - should they make it that far.

First prize is to score a big win over the Chiefs and finish in third place and hope both they and the fourth-placed sides both win their away semi-finals, thus guaranteeing the Sharks a home final.

What a situation!