With the Stormers sweating over injuries and the Bulls needing early momentum, the Sharks look likely to have the best chance of winning Super Rugby.
The Springboks beat Scotland 55-6 at Port Elizabeth’s Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to close the Incoming Series with an undefeated record.
Australia’s Ryan Harris took the last two wickets as South Africa came within five overs of saving the third Test – skipper Graeme Smith’s final game.
Graeme Smith’s departure from international cricket will push the Proteas into a new period – lacking experience and, potentially, a leader.
The Proteas will face India at Kingsmead in their final Test, fighting not only a strong Test team but a four-defeat jinx at the Durban pictch.
South Africa achieved a bitter-sweet 28-8 Rugby Championship victory over Australia on Saturday at Newlands in Cape Town.
The Cheetahs’ hopes of reaching the Super Rugby play-offs for the first time suffered a blow when they were defeated 28-3 by the Stormers on Saturday.