Tshituka: Sharks pulling together

Sharks flank Vincent Tshituka believes a much-needed reset during the Vodacom URC break has left the team in a “good space” as they prepare for a crucial clash against Connacht in Galway on Saturday.

The 13th-placed Sharks have endured a difficult start to the campaign, winning just one of their opening five fixtures. Connacht sit only one point ahead of them on the log, adding extra weight to this weekend’s meeting.

Tshituka said the break came at the perfect time.

“It’s been really good to have a bit of time off and actually prepare properly for this challenge against Connacht,” he explained. “The guys have put in a lot of hard work to fix the errors from the beginning of the season, and there’s been a really positive vibe going into this game.”

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The Sharks bagged a 29-19 bonus-point victory over the Scarlets in Durban last time out to get their campaign off the ground and Tshituka hopes the team can build off that platform.

“The past few weeks have been about connecting as a team,” Tshituka said. “It’s been a really tough start – not what we foresaw or wanted – and the only way to bounce back is to pull together and put in the work. That’s exactly what we’ve done, and we hope to reap the rewards.”

Tshituka believes that off-field cohesion is beginning to translate to rugby fundamentals.

“Connecting on the field and off the field has been massive. We’ve invested more time in that, and the guys are in a good space. We’re really looking forward to the challenge.”

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Despite Connacht’s own struggles, Tshituka expects a fierce battle.

“We all know Connacht are a quality side and extremely tough to beat away from home,” he said. “They haven’t started the season the way they wanted, but that just gives them more motivation. We know exactly what we’re facing.”

With Springboks Grant Williams and Edwill van der Merwe boosting the touring group, Tshituka believes the Sharks can make it back-to-back wins.

“We’ve put in the preparation, we’ve got a solid plan, and as a team we’re excited for the challenge.”

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The Sharks’ tour also includes an Investec Champions Cup clash with Toulouse in France on 7 December.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images