Springbok strongman Willie Meyer believes there is a strong sense of self-belief in the Cats team that's going to make them excellent contenders for a semifinal berth in the Super 12.

The third-placed Cats take on the pace-setting Sharks in Bloemfontein on Friday night in an eagerly-anticipated clash. Meyer said they are aware of the importance of the game to their semifinal hopes.

The Cats and the Sharks are on the same flight to Australia and New Zealand on Saturday and it could become a long one for the losers. "It is a vital game for both of us and the result will make a difference between a good flight and a bad one!" Meyer laughed.

He added: "We really want to do well before we embark on the overseas leg of our campaign. We cannot afford another defeat at home after we've lost against the Brumbies at Ellis Park and we need the points on Friday night. It would take a lot of pressure off if we can pick up four or five points."

The veteran is happy with the Cats' good start to the competition, but realises that the tough part lies ahead. The Cats have a miserable record in the Antipodes and last year they couldn't record a single win.

"We couldn't have asked for a better start than the away win against the Stormers. But we now have to be up for the difficult part of the competition. I believe our fortunes will change this year and that we will be winning some games over there," Meyer said.

"I think the Cats of two, three years back and the Cats of this year are two totally different sides. The players believe we have the talent and the attitude to do well overseas. The time is just right for us to do the business in Australia and New Zealand."

He said the devastating 64-0 defeat to the Brumbies in Canberra was the turning point. "We came back and decided to lift ourselves and our game. Since then we have lost only two games in 10, 11 games and both of them were against the Brumbies - the semifinal in Canberra and our recent game at Ellis Park when they slotted a drop goal.

"If a team does well, it does wonders for the confidence of the players and that's what happened with the Cats. We have a great spirit going and we are keen to improve every weekend."

Another war of attrition is on the cards because there is no love lost when two South African team square up in the Super 12. Meyer expects nothing less. "I said in a joke to somebody the other day at least you know which fights you're going to win," he quipped.

"But seriously, I think it's about the competition for Springbok places and also the rivalry between South African teams. Last year we beat all the other South African teams and I suppose this year one of the other sides want to say they are the best South African Super 12 team."

Meyer played down his head-on confrontation with fellow Bok Ollie le Roux. "I don't worry about that type of thing. If you are going to get involved in personal duals and concentrate on proving yourself, it could backfire on your team. The team is more important than the individual and that's how I'll approach it.

"If a team does well as a unit, the selectors will reward the individuals in that team anyway. So I'll do my best to ensure a good team performance."

Meyer reckons his side must start as the underdogs. "Nobody expects us to beat the Sharks. They are really playing well at the moment and in the last two, three games have shown better form than us.

"So they should be the favourites. We, however, believe in our own abilities and on the day anything can happen."