The week postponement of the Rainbow Cup is a welcomed boost for the Sharks ahead of their tournament opener against the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Originally scheduled to kick off last Friday, the match was postponed after the announcement that the tournament will be split in two – South African teams playing in the Rainbow Cup SA and the Pro14 teams having their competition in the UK.
The postponement turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the Sharks, with coach Sean Everitt explaining: “The extra week off has given Ox Nche and Sikhumbuzo Notshe the chance to get over ankle problems.”
He adds of what they expect from the Stormers: “It will be very interesting to see what type of game they play against us. Last year they were primarily a set-piece side, but they used the ball more in the preparation series. They have their heavyweight Bok front-row men back now, so maybe they will go back to a set-piece game.”