The Sharks are driven by a desire to atone for their loss in the final of the 2007 Super Rugby competition as they prepare for tomorrow night's corresponding fixture against the Chiefs in Hamilton.
A controversial late try to Bulls winger Bryan Habana robbed the Sharks of victory and the heartbreaking 20-19 defeat still sticks with coach John Plumtree and his players.
"It was shattering," said Plumtree.
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"I just remember getting in my heavy V8 and driving to Belita, which is about an hour and 40 minutes out of Durban, in the space of about 12 minutes, and luckily I didn't die.
"I was just unbelievably devastated for everyone in Natal. We had that game wrapped up.
"Look, if we get in the same situation tomorrow night it won't happen again I can guarantee it. We'll kill it off properly."
Burly hooker Bismarck Du Plessis echoed his coach's thoughts and said it serves as added motivation for the Sharks to set the record straight tomorrow night.
"That memory will always stick in my mind but like they say it's not how you fall it's how you stand up," Du Plessis said.
"The last three weeks no one gave us a chance but we're playing in the final and we're going to give it our best shot."
The humble hooker shrugged off questions regarding tomorrow's final having added sentimental weight because it marks his 100th appearance in Sharks colours, insisting the desire to play well for his teammates holds greater importance for him.
"It's not really about myself tomorrow," he said.
"Whether I've played 500 games or 10 games, I think it's about the team and the collective effort we've put together.
"To play 100 games is just a number. We're playing for pride and dignity for our side."
Plumtree was more forthcoming when assessing his hooker's career and lauded Du Plessis' contribution to any side in which he plays.
"His game's gone from strength to strength," Plumtree said.
"When I arrived in Durban six years ago he was behind a pretty formidable opponent in John Smit and he's bided his time in the Sharks and at a national level but it's his time now.
"100 games, it's amazing how quickly you get there and he's got so much more to give but he's obviously a huge influence in our team, in our forwards, and for South African rugby in general."
The Sharks are fortunate to have Du Plessis available to play after he suffered a severe knock early in last week's semi-final against the Stormers which had him looking unsteady on his feet before he regained his composure to play a vital role in their 26-19 win.
With concussion currently a prominent issue in the game, Du Plessis was quick to allay fears he was taking a risk by remaining on the park.
"I was dizzy for a few minutes but luckily they didn't get me in the head, it was on the neck and not too serious and I could play another 75 minutes."
Conditions irrelevant
The Sharks remain confident they have the range in their play to adapt to any weather conditions. With tomorrow's forecast predicting showers in Hamilton, Plumtree says his side has prepared for a typically tough and rugged battle, rain, hail or shine.
"We're not really too fazed, we think we can play whether it is dry or wet but I think it will be a pretty big arm-wrestle.
"It doesn't matter what the conditions are it's going to be
physical, going to be tough, going to be a really big final."