The mid-season break has allowed new Sharks recruit Vincent Tshituka to find his feet in Durban and he is eager to make the most of a packed festive schedule. DYLAN JACK reports.
Tshituka joined the Sharks from the Lions at the end of the 2021-22 Vodacom United Rugby Championship season, but a shoulder injury meant he had to wait to make his debut until the 40-12 win over Glasgow Warriors at Kings Park.
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After the home game against Ulster was postponed, Tshituka made his second start against the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria, but has taken the opportunity presented by the break to catch his breath and reset with his new team.
“The break came at a great time, specifically for me,” Tshituka told the media from Durban. “The past two weeks were great to get my mind out of the game. I feel refreshed and ready to go.
“When I got here, I was coming back from injury, so it did take me longer than expected to find my feet. I came to Sharks for the depth and competition, which helps hold me accountable and keep me at my best.”
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Tshituka is part of a stacked back row at the Sharks, which includes Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, former Junior Springbok captain Phepsi Buthelezi and Bok loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe.
“That is definitely one position that we have ample talent at the Sharks,” the 24-year-old said. “Competition allows everyone to be at a world-class level consistently. You don’t have the grace to slack and still get selected.
“We have competition in a healthy manner at the Sharks, there’s no animosity, but we do go at each other. We are on the right track with things”
Looking back on the heavy 40-27 loss to the Vodacom Bulls, Tshituka said the major focus since then has been on the set-piece and defence as the Sharks prepare to host Cardiff on Sunday evening.
“One big focus was defence. It wasn’t a system problem, but more about individual errors. It reminded us that every member of the squad needs to be present for the full 80 minutes. We need more consistency on defence, and to bring a world-class performance for the full 80 minutes.”
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Photo: Twitter: @Springboks
