Watch VideoStormers, Sharks and Bulls stars playing for All Blacks chance in crucial Currie Cup weekend

Scrumhalf Stefan Ungerer will lead the Stormers XXIII in a crucial Currie Cup coastal derby against the Sharks XV on Saturday in Cape Town. The unbeaten Cheetahs and defending champions Griquas headline this weekend’sCurrie Cupaction,while Stormers, Sharks and Bulls players battle to boosttheir hopes of earning a place inRugby’s Greatest Rivalryagainst the All Blacks starting next week. All eyes will be on the Cheetahs and how they function without the benchedSpringbok veteran Faf de Klerk, who has been at the helm of his side’s onslaught, as they look to extend their winning run against their neighbours in Kimberley.

However, the Free State will also be wary of the challenge the title holders present, especially at home in Kimberley (7pm kick-off). Griquas got their campaign up and running with a round-two victory over the Bulls and, despite struggling with injuries, will look to end the winning run of their more-fancied Bloemfontein neighbours. On Saturday, a coastal derby in Cape Town (3pm kick-off) highlights the action.

The Stormers XXIII and Sharks XV will field several exciting Junior Springbok world champions. However, with the All Blacks’ midweek games against their senior United Rugby Championship sides looming, spots are up for grabs for several players. Although the Cape side’s head coach, Tom Dawson-Squibb, said his troops are not focused on the Greatest Rivalry game, Saturday presents an opportunity to put their hands up. Outside centre Markus Muller will make his Currie Cup debut after already featuring for the senior side, and he will be one of the players looking to impress.