Meshack Khotha

Meshack Khotha

Sharks, the Super 14 rugby tournament log leaders, face an acid test when they meet ninth-placed Brumbies in their last rugby match at home before they travel Down Under for a month.

This was the view of the Sharks' manager, Trevor Barnes, ahead of their crucial encounter against the Australian side in Durban tomorrow.

Said Barnes: "We know that we are meeting one of the best teams in the competition. They will definitely come hard at us with the intent of spoiling our six-game unbeaten record in the tournament.

"The spirit is sky high in the camp and everybody is looking forward to hoisting the flag high on the day.''

A win against the Brumbies will boost the confidence of the South Africans for their travels.

l The Lions are expected to bounce back when they take on Hurricanes at Ellis Park Stadium tomorrow at 5pm. They had a decent tour recently, winning two games in New Zealand and losing two in Australia.

Fixtures:

Today: Blues v Waratahs (Auckland).

Tomorrow: Highlanders v Bulls (Dunedin); Crusaders v Stormers (Christchurch); Reds v Chiefs (Brisbane); Sharks v Brumbies (Durban); Lions v Hurricanes (Ellis Park).