THERE will be no love lost when rugby giants the Sharks and the Bulls meet in a round three Absa Currie Cup encounter at Kings Park Stadium in Durban today.

THERE will be no love lost when rugby giants the Sharks and the Bulls meet in a round three Absa Currie Cup encounter at Kings Park Stadium in Durban today.

This is despite the fact that both sides will be playing without their top players who are part of the Springboks for tomorrow's Tri-Nations clash against New Zealand in Bloemfontein.

Coach Peter de Villiers had selected eight regular players from defending champions the Sharks, and nine experienced players from the Super-14 champions Bulls to strengthen the squad.

Sharks coach John Plumtree and Bulls mentor Frans Ludeke have no option but to turn to the youth who performed so well in their previous games.

But a meeting between these two sides has always produced fireworks and spectators can expect to be treated to a good rugby game.

Both teams will go into this potentially epic battle in high spirits following the Sharks's convincing 40-10 triumph against minnows Boland, while the Bulls overcame Western Province 30-22.

Plumtree yesterday admitted that their match against the visitors will be tough.

"The Bulls are playing a good game and their records speak volumes.

"But we are prepared and hope to bring their two unbeaten runs to a halt."

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke will be looking forward to continuing where they left off last week after beating a tough Western Province at Loftus.

The hosts are third on the Currie Cup log with five points, three points behind the unbeaten Bulls.

Other games tomorrow: Griquas v Boland (Kimberley); Leopards v Lions (Rustenburg).