The Natal Sharks are expected to continue their winning streak when they tackle Griquas at Kimberley's Absa Park on Saturday. The game itself is basically of academic value only because it pits the top and bottom teams against each other.

However, if the Sharks claim a full haul of points and finish top of the log, they will ensure they play the rest of their matches this season at home - a priceless advantage in the deciding weeks of the competition. But taking on Griquas in Kimberley counts among the Currie Cup's more difficult tasks, regardless of the disappointing season the men from the diamond fields have endured.

Straeuli said the game against Griquas won't be easy and that they are a tough team to beat on their home turf. "We also haven't forgotten how the Natal Sharks were derailed in the Currie Cup last year, with their 23-29 loss in Kimberley, and the troops therefore need to remain focused to ensure we don't falter at the final hurdle in this round."

Springbok wing Deon Kayser (pictured) is getting a break and is on the bench, but the Sharks still carry too much heavy artillery for the home side and should win at a canter. Griquas are plagued by injuries and it's only a die-hard supporter who believes they can conclude their season with a shock win.

Teams for Absa Park:

Griquas: Dirkie Strydom; Dries Scholtz, Andre Vermeulen, George Binikos, Jearus Nicholas; Edrich Lubbe, Christoff Lotter; Bok Markram, Chappy van Vliet, Thando Manana, Victor Matfield (capt), Hanu Nel, Henno van Tonder, Tom Cameron, Riaan Olckers. Substitutes: Hedley Wessels, De Waal Venter, Slang Roux, Reginald Nutt, Hakkies Husselman, Kosie van Wyk, Jaco Taute.

Sharks: Gaffie du Toit; Rodger Smith, Stefan Terblanche, Trevor Halstead, Stephen Brink, Butch James, Craig Davidson, Shaun Sowerby, Brad MacLeod-Henderson, Warren Brosnihan, Mark Andrews (capt), Charl van Rensburg, Etienne Fynn, John Smit, Ollie le Roux. Substitutes: Chris Rossouw, Gavin Whittingham, Albert van den Berg, Clinton van der Berg, Deon Kayser, Joe Gillingham, Hentie Martens.

Referee: Mark Lawrence.

Kick-off: 15:00.