A massive match for the Xerox Lions as they chase a semi-final

September 23 - This is the big one. With only two matches remaining after Saturday’s Absa Currie Cup match against the Sharks at Coca-Cola Park, a win for the Xerox Lions will keep them firmly in the hunt for a play-off place. Kick-off is at 5.05pm. A loss, however, could see them drop to sixth place – depending on the outcome of the Western Province-Griquas match at Newlands. This will make their run-in that much more difficult The Lions’ remaining matches are against the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein next weekend – another clash that will seriously influence the final log standings – and the Pumas in Johannesburg the week after. The Lions won’t have the surprise element on their side this weekend. They’ve won their last four matches at home – and while that in itself is a confidence booster, the Sharks are ready for them. “This is such a big game for us. The players trained well this week, we've prepared really nicely for this game and now it's the mental challenge of travelling up on the day and delivering. "We know what's going to be coming at us, they're going to be pretty determined and it’s about making sure we front up and get on top of them,” said Sharks coach John Plumtree on his team’s website. The way in which the Lions hung in against the Blue Bulls pack last weekend will give them every hope of winning this one. While the Sharks had a reasonable game in the scrums against the Free State Cheetahs, they can be matched in this facet by a Lions side that has matured at scrummaging. The Lions also have a formidable loose trio, with the return of Wikus van Heerden giving them a more balanced look with him as carrier, Derick Minnie, as fetcher and a big man to drive up in Josh Strauss. Resolute defence – a hallmark of the Lions in this campaign – and their freedom of expression with the ball in hand are two other characteristics that could see them through, even against a side that looked very good against the Free State last weekend. But it won’t be easy for the Lions. The Sharks have the extra carrot that they could cement their right to host an Absa Currie Cup semi-final with a win over the Lions. **  The Free State Cheetahs are at home this weekend and will have to tread warily if they want to secure maximum points from their clash against the Pumas in Bloemfontein on Friday. The Bloemfontein side (32) are currently one point ahead of the Lions on the log. They are however also one point behind the third-placed Blue Bulls who are on the road this weekend and who will be out to maximise their opportunity for five log points against the Leopards in Potchefstroom on Saturday. **  Western Province host the GWK Griquas on Friday night. Griquas are also very much on contention but will find it difficult to win at Newlands against a side that has suddenly recovered confidence and form.