Jean Deysel's three-week ban for applying intentional and unnecessary stud pressure to Jordan Taufua's face should be a big loss to the Sharks as they tackle the Blues tomorrow, especially as they have already been robbed of Marcell Coetzee's services because of a shoulder injury.
But Lubabalo Mtembu stepped up in Deysel's absence at the weekend and kept a leash on the Crusaders' loose forwards in an understated but superb performance.
The games Deysel will miss are crucial in terms of the Sharks cementing their top spot heading into the international break.
With the Blues fielding possibly the best balanced and most physical backrow in the tournament, a step up in performance from Mtembu is required.
Jerome Kaino, Luke Braid and Peter Saili, along with Steven Luatua on the bench, make for a mean bunch, but not one the Sharks cannot handle.
The clash in Albany is the Sharks' last of their four-match overseas trip, which has seen them garner nine points in three matches.
It is a return that none of the other South African teams have managed, with the rest drawing blanks.
The Sharks also have the Stormers lying in wait and, while the latter have been disappointing, their back row will also put Mtembu's burgeoning reputation to the test.
Television Highlights
Today
Cricket: First ODI, England vs Sri Lanka from the Oval at 2pm on SS6; IPL, Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers at 12.30pm, Super Kings vs Sunrisers 4.30pm, both SS2
Cycling: Giro D'Italia, stage 12 at 2.30pm on SS7
Golf: BMW Championship from Wentworth, England at 11am on SS1; The Invitational from Fort Worth, Texas at 9pm on SS1
Motor racing: Formula 1, Monaco Grand Prix, first practice at 9.50am, second at 1.50pm, both on SS5
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
