There is a potential return to his old stomping ground for Vincent Tshituka, but he knows that the Sharks face a huge task in knocking over the Blue Bulls in Saturday’s Currie Cup semi-final at Loftus Versfeld (5.15pm start).
The Durban outfit pulled off somewhat of a surprise 24-18 league victory at a wet Kings Park last Sunday, but they know that it is sure to be a very different game in what should be a dry Pretoria this weekend.
Powerful loose forward Tshituka came through the ranks from Northcliff High School in Johannesburg to the Lions’ Super Rugby and United Rugby Championship teams, but made the big move to the Sharks last season, where he was part of the late-season surge to the Challenge Cup title.
Soaked in determination 😮💨#CarlingCurrieCup #SHAvBUL pic.twitter.com/y3EuTX9fjB
But they are chasing bigger fish in the new campaign in the shape of the Champions Cup and United Rugby Championship trophies, and hope to find their rhythm in the Currie Cup play-offs before their URC opener against Connacht in Galway on September 28 – after the initial opener against the Lions was postponed due to the Currie Cup final.
“Honestly, I haven’t even thought that far as yet. It’s one step at a time, and our focus is definitely on the Bulls this weekend,” said the blindside flank, who celebrated his 26th birthday yesterday.
“The guys who have played in the Currie Cup so far played so well, and there’s a responsibility from our side, coming from the URC squad, to finish the good work that they’re done.
“It’s another opportunity to credit what JP (Pietersen, who coached the Sharks earlier in the Currie Cup) and the guys did, and to pick it up. They turned their season around and gave us an opportunity to be in a play-off this weekend. The guys were incredible in the last couple of games.”
It is set to be a titanic battle between the two loose trios on Saturday, with the Sharks boasting Vincent and Emmanuel Tshituka, as well as Springbok Phepsi Buthelezi and James Venter, while the Bulls have outstanding options themselves in the shape of Marcell Coetzee, Mpilo Gumede and Cameron Hanekom – who is on his way back from a lengthy injury layoff – as well as Nizaam Carr.
The better weather conditions should result in a high-tempo style of play and more ball-in-hand attack, and it could be a terrific shoot-out in that regard.
“It’s going to be a tough game, and a lot of mental prep for the players to keep a calm mind, but also have the attitude for the weekend,” Tshituka said.
Sharks assistant coach Joey Mongalo said that there are two injury concerns, prop Ruan Dreyer (calf) and centre Jurenzo Julius (concussion), and they were monitoring their progress to see if they can feature this weekend.