Etzebeth and Tshituka expected to make Sharks debuts this weekend

Anticipation will be high amongst the fans at Kings Park on Saturday as the eagerly-awaited Sharks debuts of Vincent Tshituka and Springbok hard man Eben Etzebeth are set to play out when the team locks horns with Glasgow Warriors. 

The Sharks have returned to Durban after a decent showing overseas which saw them post two victories from three encounters and the hunger for more favourable results is evident in the desire to deploy the bruising duo in what will be another tough encounter. 

Tshituka toured with the team to gain familiarity on the training pitch and would have noticed that competition amongst the Sharks loose-forwards is stiff. 

“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.” 

“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.”  

Glasgow will be up against it this weekend with a host of big names (Kolisi, Mbonambi, Nche, to name a few) expected to return for the Sharks.