The KwaZulu-Natal side set up a match against the competition's most decorated side, while the Blues will host the Waratahs in next weekend's other playoff.
Sharks coach John Plumtree acknowledged the enormity of the task facing his side. "It will be tough. We will leave for New Zealand on Tuesday night. We had the option of flying out (tonight) but we thought it would be best to go back to Durban first and clear up some things before we travel to New Zealand," Plumtree said.
The Crusaders sealed their position at the top of the New Zealand conference when they beat the Hurricanes, while the Reds confirmed their status at the top of the Australian conference with their victory over the Chiefs.
The Stormers earned themselves a bye next week as South African conference winners and second place on the overall log with victory over the Cheetahs.
The Reds and the Stormers will play the winners of the playoff matches in a fortnight.
SATURDAY'S PLAYOFFS
Crusaders v Sharks,
Blues v Waratahs.
