Durban - With the sad news of the Springbok defeat to Australia in Sunday’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final, the silver lining for the Currie Cup tournament is the fact that many players should still feature in the domestic competition.

SARU's commerical manager Andy Marinos stated last week that should the Boks endure an early World Cup elimination, they will be available for their provincial teams immediately without needing to rest, as they would be playing during the same period of time if they were still in New Zealand.

According to Sharks website editor, Michael Marnewick, Sharks coach John Plumtree confirmed that he would use his returning Springboks where possible, but with minimum disruption.

Despite all the top teams battling with consistency (with the exception of the Lions who are pretty much the same as their Super Rugby side), he added that, “We are in second place," which is testament to the character and determination of this Sharks team who have had a monumental battle this campaign.

The Sharks have as many as eight returning Springboks in John Smit, Bismarck du Plessis, Beast Mtawarira, Jannie du Plessis, Willem Alberts, Pat Lambie, JP Pietersen and Odwa Ndungane, although how they are used, considering the various workloads they’ve carried, is going to take careful management.

"They are returning from New Zealand in dribs and drabs this week and the challenge is now to reintegrate them into our squad," the Sharks coach said.

He could also have the services of Ryan Kankowski and Craig Burden to bolster their player stocks, the latter two coming towards the end of their rehab for a hand and hip injury respectively. Their availability (or not) will be confirmed during the course of the week.

Reaching the business end of the tournament with a top of the log clash between the Sharks and Lions at Kings Park this Saturday has added importance for the home team who is just one log point ahead of the third-placed Cheetahs.

Both sides know the value of a home semi-final and each will be looking to make certain that they have the best chance of hosting a knock-out game.

The Cheetahs host the resurgent Griquas this weekend and this game could be a huge clash given the stakes and the fact that this past weekend, Griquas added the Blue Bulls scalp to an impressive list of victories attained this season.

A five pointer for the Cheetahs would mean the Sharks would have to emulate that feat against the Lions - certainly a tall order - given the points’ differential that leans towards the Cheetahs.

By kick-off (7.10pm), the Sharks will know exactly what is needed to finish in second spot.