WATCH: Sharks hope to bring home the Cup

Durban - The time for dress-rehearsals is over as the 2018 Currie Cup Final between the Cell C Sharks and Western Province at DHL Newlands in Cape Town beckons, for Saturday’s season finale.

It’s been an intriguing season, with Western Province hosting a final thanks to their unbeaten run in the competition. The Cell C Sharks, having finished second, means the final produces a fitting end between the two best-performing sides in the tournament.

View this post on Instagram

FULL VIDEO ON FACEBOOK We head into a massive clash this Saturday... A 'hall of fame' of rugby greats has worn the iconic black and white jersey in #OurSharks victories over the decades. Today, they stand together behind our boys for the upcoming Currie Cup final as they prepare to join this legacy of legends! Song Credits- Lose Yourself in the Hall of Fame (Eminem vs. The Script) (Lose Yourself vs. Hall of Fame) #OurSharksForever

A post shared by The Cell C Sharks(@sharksrugby) on Oct 25, 2018 at 6:27am PDT

Cell C Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made just two changes to the team that defeated the Lions last week, Tyler Paul shifts into Jacques Vermeulen’s position on the side of the scum, allowing an opening for Jean-Luc du Preez to gain his first start for the Cell C Sharks in this year’s competition.

“It’s the business end of the season, but fortunately we’re in the final again this year and hopefully we can bring the cup home,” the big flank, twin brother of eighthman Daniel, admits.

Having only recently returned from injury, he’s played off the bench in the last couple of games, but after being side-lined for three and a half months, he explains that: “Playing off the bench has been good for me, obviously coming back from a long-term injury, I was gradually eased into action and it’s great to be back!”

View this post on Instagram

We chatted to #OurSharks winger, @sbu_nkosi14 , at their last practice in Durban before they headed off to Cape Town for this weekend's Currie Cup final. Don't miss him in action at 16h00 tomorrow! #OurSharksForever

A post shared by The Cell C Sharks(@sharksrugby) on Oct 26, 2018 at 12:31am PDT

The loss to Western Province in the pool stages provided timely lessons which du Preez explains can only be in his team’s favour.

“We can take a lot out of that game, as we can from last week’s game against the Lions. In both matches we didn’t play for a full 80 minutes, we got a bit complacent. We’re focussing on the full 80, or the full 90, if that’s what it takes.”

“The focus is on us right now, not on Western Province, although we know it’s going to be a huge clash. They have a massive pack, we have a big pack too, so it’s the old cliché again: it will all be won upfront. It will be huge. If all eight and the forwards off the bench all put up our hands, it will be good.”

In the other change, Aphelele Fassi replaces Lwazi Mvovo, who was concussed in last week’s match.

The Cell C Sharks

Juan Schoeman

Akker van der Merwe

Thomas du Toit

Gideon Koegelenberg

Hyron Andrews

Tyler Paul

Jean-Luc du Preez

Daniel du Preez

Louis Schreuder (C)

Robert du Preez