Durban - Sharks fullback Louis Ludik says they are looking forward to their highly anticipated clash with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.   

The Sharks face the Cheetahs in the first of three away derby games this Saturday, and according to Sharks website editor, Mike Marnewick, they know full well that this is not a game they will have an easy time of, given the history between the two sides and the fact that the Bloemfontein side are playing really good rugby right now.

"We're definitely looking forward to the game against the Cheetahs this weekend. These derbies are always very physical and it's going to be tough," said Ludik.

"Sias and Robert Ebersohn have been playing very well, Frans Viljoen as well. Unfortunately for them Andries Strauss is out injured because he's been excellent. They've picked up good form, had some wins and have been playing their best rugby in a long time. They're really on a high and we're going to have to be at our best.”

His counterpart, Riaan Viljoen, who played two tour matches for the Springboks at the end of year tour in 2009, has been in good form for the Cheetahs.

"I've been watching him for a couple of years now, he's been playing very well, especially in the air, he's very good there," said Ludik.

"His overall play is good, he has a big boot on him so we can't give him ball in space. He's very quick and his all over game has been developing."

Meanwhile, the mood in their camp is one of optimism and excitement following an important win over the Waratahs and with three derby games lying ahead for his team.   

"This was a very good win for us, especially after the disappointment of the Bulls' game," said Ludik.

"The morale within the team is high and we picked up lot of confidence from the Waratahs' game.

"There were a lot more positives than negatives."

Teams:

Cheetahs:
15 Hennie Daniller, 14 Riaan Viljoen, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Corne Uys, 11 Philip Snyman, 10 Sias Ebersohn, 9 Sarel Pretorius, 8 Davon Raubenheimer, 7 Ashley Johnson, 6 Johan Wessels, 5 Martin Muller, 4 Francois Uys, 3 WP Nel, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Coenie Oosthuizen

Substitutes: 16 Ryno Barnes, 17 Lourens Adriaanse, 18 Izak van der Westhuizen, 19 Pieter Myburgh, 20 Tewis de Bruyn, 21 Naas Olivier, 22 Riaan Smit

Sharks:
TBA