Springbok pair Patrick Lambie and Frans Steyn were the two notable absentees from the Sharks squad that will travel to Australia for this weekend's Super Rugby qualifier against the Reds in Brisbane.
Utility back Lambie aggravated an ankle injury during the 34-15 win over the Cheetahs on Saturday, while centre Steyn was ruled out of the remainder of the competition due to a Sanzar ruling - he was signed by the union after the April 1 transfer deadline.
The Bulls booked their place in the Super Rugby Finals series by beating the Lions side 37-20 at Loftus - for their trouble the get to play the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.
As a reward for finishing top of the overall log, courtesy of their win over the Rebels, the Stormers sit back and enjoy a bye this weekend.
So too for the second placed Chiefs - they'll both have home ties in a fortnight in what are essentially the semi-finals.
The Stormers will host the lowest placed qualifier in Cape Town and the Chiefs will play the highest-placed qualifier in Wellington.
