Sharks hold all aces

The Sharks and Western Province clash in a Currie Cup final for the sixth time tomorrow and seldom has the home team started with such a clear advantage.

With flyhalf Pat Lambie pulling the Sharks' strings, the likes of the in-form JP Pietersen and Keegan Daniel there to provide the X-factor, coupled with home ground advantage and more experience, it's difficult to see how WP can end an 11-year Currie Cup drought.

In five previous Currie Cup final meetings between the teams - in 1984, 1995, 2000, 2001 and 2010 - WP have won three and the Sharks two, but that ratio is likely to be evened out after tomorrow.

Given that there have been relatively few finals between tomorrow's protagonists, long-term history isn't really an indicator of where this match will be won and lost.

But form and performances in the past 12 months give a much clearer indication of what is likely to unfold at Kings Park tomorrow.

In five competitive meetings this season in both Super rugby and Currie Cup, WP have only won once - against the Stormers in the first clash in round two of Super rugby.

Since then the Sharks have won four in a row, including the crucial Super 15 semifinal at Newlands, and the mental damage they have inflicted on WP so far this year must have left some scarring.

Only six WP players started for the Stormers in March's 15-12 win over the Sharks at Newlands and there are only six survivors in the starting line-up that played in the Super rugby semifinal in July.

It underlines how badly injuries have decimated playing ranks in the Cape and how well they have done in the face of such adversity with their impressive depth.

It all augurs well in the medium to long term for WP, but, in the harsh environment of a final, that long injury list will take its toll at some stage in the game.

Simply put, the Sharks' depth is more impressive and their casualty list is much shorter, which is why they will be able to maintain the same high standard for 80 minutes.

The Sharks' starting team tomorrow contains nine players who ran out in the 26-19 Super semi win at Newlands and six more players who featured on the bench, meaning 15 Sharks players were part of that famous win in Cape Town.

Plumtree's side has been the most impressive in the competition despite having to compete in adverse weather conditions for large portions of the campaign.

They have the most rounded approach, marrying attack and defence more seamlessly than WP.

The Sharks do kick a lot of ball, contrary to a popular view that they are a "running" side.

But choosing the right moment to keep the ball in hand is what sets them apart.

Pragmatism is part of the Sharks' approach, but when the situation demands throwing off the shackles, they have the confidence and the skill to effortlessly make the switch.

By the time referee Jaco Peyper blows his final whistle the Sharks should have notched up Currie Cup win No7, while WP will have to wait another year to add to their record 31 titles.