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Johannesburg - The challenge may be one of the toughest he has faced during his time in Durban, yet Springbok eighthman Ryan Kankowski is confident the Sharks will be there when the Super Rugby tournament reaches the knock-out stages.
"We are still in a position where it (a place in the play-offs) is in our own hands," said Kankowski.
"We now have to win our remaining games so it's just a matter of getting out there and doing the job."
The tall, bushy-haired eighthman will not, however, play a part in his team's last group match at home against the Waratahs as he is still recovering from a cheekbone fracture.
He is expected to be back in contention for next week's match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
In an all too familiar Super Rugby tale, the Sharks have again gone from one of the favourites to win the competition, to a team that will need to finish very strongly if they wish to make the quarter-finals.
Kankowski said last week's 23-32 loss to the Bulls had forced the team to reassess areas of the game where they need to improve.
"The guys worked really hard since the loss and have done a bit of soul searching to pick it up again this weekend against the Waratahs," he said.
"There was not a single player in our team that was happy with the way they played last week and the coach asked the guys to look at themselves and where they would like to be."
While spending time away from the action is frustrating for a player who is known for his flair, Kankowski is certain whoever comes in as cover will not let the team down.
"We are fortunate that we have brilliant loose forwards at the Sharks," said Kankowski.
"If one guy sits out, the next can take your place which allows us to rotate during a long season."
Being a strong contender for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand later this year, Kankowski knows that his every move is being monitored.
On a personal level, he is trying his best to keep the distraction of the big prize from influencing his game.
"It is all about the Sharks at the moment and making it into the quarters and semis.
"It (the World Cup) is there on your mind, but the only way you can actually guarantee that you will make it there is to perform in Super Rugby.
There's no time to worry about what could happen, so the guys are working hard."
