Sharks have a point to prove against Lions

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sharks flank Phepsi Buthelezi says the Sharks want to improve their standing in the United Rugby Championship and it all starts against the Lions in Durban on Friday.

The loose forward said while the Sharks have had good results in the Champions Cup, the team have not shown South Africa what they can really do in the URC.

“Local derbies are always tough and I have been fortunate enough to have played in many," Buthelezi said.

"I do feel that we as a team are not where we want to be in the URC and it is time to make the step up, show South Africa what we can do and improve our standing in this competition."

The Sharks are the only unbeaten South African side in the Champions Cup.

They enjoyed a bonus point home win over English Premiership club Harlequins and followed it up with an impressive 19-16 away win over French Top 14 side Bordeaux Begles this past weekend.

“The travelling has been really tough, but it is something we have embraced and taken on the challenge," the loose forward said.

"We have enjoyed spending time together and I think we are in a good place.

“The mood in the camp is very good at the moment and the guys that stayed behind while we were in France, really trained well. I think as far as the Champions Cup is concerned, we are in a really good place.

"But we can definitely improve in the URC.

“We haven’t been consistent enough up to now and we have had good stages, and then we’ve also had poor performances.”

He was reluctant to talk about the possible big tussle between the loosies when they face the Lions this weekend but said both sides have very physical loose forwards.

And while there is the possibility of a sibling rivalry between Vincent Tshituka and his brother at the Lions, Emmanuel, Buthelezi said it definitely came up during the week.

However, the team is solely focused on themselves.

“We only focus on us as a loose trio and how we want to announce ourselves.”

The affable youngster from Hluhluwe, in the heartland of Zululand who is only still 23 years of age, says he has been fortunate to represent the Sharks and working towards getting consistent as a player and a leader.