Home QF carrot dangles for Sharks in Belfast: 'We've got more responsibility than just for ourselves'

The Sharks' storied and unflattering Super Rugby quarter-final record has made it imperative that they see off Ulster when they meet in their United Rugby Championship fixture in Belfast on Friday.

When quarter-finals were introduced in Super Rugby in 2015, the Sharks were not able to host one, but also fell at that hurdle for four consecutive seasons.

Sean Everitt's charges are currently third on the URC log with 56 points, from where a win will ensure they'll have a playoff at Kings Park.

The Sharks' abysmal away playoff record is something that's not far from Everitt's mind, making conquest of the Ulstermen more important.

Everitt said the players understand the responsibility of bringing back a home play-off for rugby starved fans in Durban.

URC log standings

"We've got more responsibility than just for ourselves. We want to play in front of our families and friends," Everitt said.

"We've had an amazing time with the Festivity Day, that went down well and we'd love to do that again.

"The players do want to play a knockout game at home because that'll be a massive advantage.

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The Sharks, Bulls and Stormers are all in playoff position, but respective wins in their matches will ensure Kings Park, Loftus Versfeld and the Cape Town Stadium will be busy in the first weekend of June.

With Leinster's lead at the top of the log unassailable, the South African teams have every reason to ensure they win their games.

They lose, they're back in Europe for the playoffs, with the Sharks almost likely to head back to Belfast, something Everitt is looking to avoid.

"All the SA teams have been in knockout positions since we returned home and that means we've done well," Everitt said.

"This