After an exciting weekend of Semi final deciding clashes the four semi finalists have been decided, the Sharks, WP, Bulls and Cheetahs have all secured their places to battle it out in the knock out stages in two weeks time.

But the final lap is yet to be run. The Sharks on 52 log points have secured a home semi final.

The current log standings for these four teams are.

Sharks 52 (To play WP at Newlands)

WP 44 (To host the Sharks)

Cheetahs 42 (To meet the winless Leopards in Phokeng)

Bulls 42 (To travel to Kimberly)

The only team unlikely to make a home Semi Final is the Bulls, they are on points difference, 43 points behind the Cheetahs and would have to beat a tough Griquas in Kimberly by 44 points more than what the Cheetahs would have to beat the luckless Leopards, unless the Cheetahs do not score 4 tries and collect the bonus point.

Where this gets real interesting is whether the Sharks “want” to beat the WP, or whether they “want” to rest some players.

If the Sharks decide to play their best team, and are by no means guaranteed to beat WP, they will relegate WP down to fourth place and therefor meet them in the Semi final.

If the Sharks lose to WP, they will have to meet the Bulls in the Semi final who looks the most likely 4^th placed.

Question is, do the Sharks want to play the Bulls who in recent years have proven to be very successful in knock out rugby, and will have the full use of their springboks.

I would hazard a guess and say no. The sharks have been successful against WP in recent times and will play a full strength team in the hope of upsetting WP at Newlands.

Besides, WP has once again shown this weekend that when the pressure is on, they resort to kicking tactics and are not very successful with the execution, thus allowing the Bulls many quick throw ins, and there for opportunities to attack.

WP to me may look good on paper, but I am not yet convinced that they have the mettle for knock out rugby.

So the Sharks have their destiny in their own hands, beat the WP and play them at home in the Semi Final.