The Sharks are set to unleash their new signing Eben Etzebeth for the first time on Saturday against Glasgow Warriors in Durban.
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Etzebeth is yet to play for the Sharks after signing in February from Toulon in France, where he finished last season before spending time on Springbok duty during the Rugby Championship.
More signings to be used
The Test centurion was one of several signings to join the club at the end of last season, with former Lions superstar Vincent Tshituka also making a move to Durban.
Tshituka was a shining light for the Johannesburg side in last season’s campaign and looks to make his mark at the Sharks despite the stiff competition in the loose forwards.
“I am well aware of the class of the loose forwards at the Sharks,” Tshituka said. “This is what is going to help me take my game to the next level because I want to be in an environment where I feel I have to constantly produce my best week in and week out. I have always tried to do that, but this will give me extra motivation.”
Tshituka is a versatile forward and can pack down at number eight or in the second-row, but his preference is blindside flank, where he is in the thick of the action.
“I can play different roles, but No 7 is my position of choice simply because it is where you are most involved in the game and that is my thing — my work ethic is my X factor,” he said. “I want to contribute and at No 7 you are slap bang in the middle of defence, and then on attack, you are always asked to carry and create momentum.
“Can I steal ball? Yes, I have done my fair share. I feel I am versatile but I want to be in the centre of it all, so No 7 is the perfect position for me.”
Springboks return
It is expected that Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, Bongi Mbonambi and Ox Nche will all make a return to the Sharks line-up after remaining at home while the side toured the northern hemisphere.
The team against Glasgow will likely be one of the strongest Sharks sides on paper in recent times but will be without centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg who will probably receive a ban for being sent off against Leinster last time out.