The Sharks have a tough task ahead of them to beat a confident Crusaders outfit in their Super Rugby semi-final.

Crusaders players are eager to exact revenge on the Sharks for their 30-25 defeat at the hands of the South African team in Christchurch earlier in the competition.

Former Crusaders player Andrew Mehrtens wrote in his column for Fairfax Media that the Crusaders “were embarrassed that night in Christchurch, and this will be a shot at redemption they’ll relish.”

“They thrive on that challenge, excitement generated by a game with that edge to it. The playoffs always brought the best out of Crusaders teams I played in. It was a time of the year we loved, and usually found another level to go to.”

The Crusaders will not find it easy to beat the Sharks though, with the Natal team going into the semi-final with form and momentum.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said that the Sharks should exploit the talent of Bismarck du Plessis, whom he said was a deciding factor in his team’s loss to the Sharks last weekend.

“He inspires the players around him, you can see that, and they gain confidence from having him present,” Joseph said.