The Stormers are expected to go on all-out attack against the Sharks tomorrow.
A bonus-point win will see them safely through to the semifinals, although they can still make it without scoring four tries if the Blues and the Waratahs lose.
The Sharks have lost their last three games and have only
a faint chance of qualifying for the playoffs, although it is more likely they will know at the start of the match whether they can qualify.
The question will be whether the disappointment factor plays a role in their motivation.
Sharks coach Kevin Putt has made a lot of the hunger to be the top South African team in the competition, and he has described this as their defining game for his men.
"To consider any professional team would give anything but their best is madness," Putt said.
Stormers coach Gert Smal has made four major changes - bringing extra pace on to the wings with Tonderai Chavhanga and Gus Theron, and changing his halfback/first five-eighth pairing to Bolla Conradie and Gaffie du Toit.
The duel between Du Toit and his opposite, Butch James, could hold the key to the outcome.
De Wet Barry at second five-eighths will be a key factor for the Stormers if they are to intimidate and blunt the attacking threat of the Sharks' backline.
The Stormers have said they are not bowed by the prospect of having to go to Durban and then having to fly Downunder if they make the semifinal.
Skipper Selborne Boome said he was confident his men could beat the Sharks and then acquit themselves well in a playoff game on the other side of the world a few days later.
"I think the honour of making the playoffs, and the huge prize that will be then on offer and much more reachable, will offset any problems with jetlag," Boome said.
In loose forward Luke Watson the Sharks have a ball winner who will keep the Stormers on their toes. His battle with Schalk Burger should be one to watch.
