Neil Powell looking for complete performance from Sharks against Leinster

The Durban franchise laboured to a 22-all draw against Munster on Saturday after being 19-3 up at the break, keeping them in eighth place on the table. While it secured them a place in the playoffs, a trip to Dublin to face the indomitable Leinster could have been avoided with a win over Munster.

However, Powell is taking inspiration from the Sharks opening half, as well as the Bulls' performance in 2022, when they upset Leinster at home to reach the final.

"Leinster are a quality side who play a good brand of rugby and to beat them at their home is going to be a massive challenge," Powell admitted.

"But in the first 40 minutes of the game [against Munster], we showed glimpses of what this team is capable of: they were really good, really clinical and if we put an 80 minute performance like that together, then we give ourselves an opportunity to go away and beat a quality side like Leinster.

"The Bulls showed that when they beat them last year in the semi-final; it's not going to be easy, but it is possible."

The Sharks run out against Leinster on 6 May at Aviva Stadium.