Vincent Tshituka relishes Lions reunion as Sharks find their teeth

The Sharks and the Lions have had some epic tussles in the United Rugby Championship, with the Joburgers often targeting this fixture, and Lions old boy Vincent Tshituka expects another battle on Saturday at Kings Park.

Tshituka, his younger brother Manu, Jordan Hendrikse, and Edwill van der Merwe are former Lions who will be in Sharks colours at "The Tank" (3.30pm kick-off).

“This week, there has been a nice buzz as we tune into an SA derby,” the elder Tshituka said.

“It is always a big one against the Lions; they tend to believe they can beat the Sharks. It is always a spectacle, so we expect nothing less than that on Saturday. We feel confident and ready, and are looking forward to the game because the players are excited about turning the season around.”

Tshituka is alluding to the Sharks’ shocking start to the season, which a month back cost John Plumtree his job as head coach, with JP Pietersen taking over. The Sharks are in 13th place on the URC log, with just two wins and a draw from their seven starts.

This is a poor return for such a talented squad. Since Pietersen took over the coaching reins, the Sharks have beaten Saracens in the Champions Cup and the Bulls in the URC.

“It is an exciting time at the Sharks after two wins ended a rough start to the season,” Tshituka said.

“We needed some confidence and now have initiated some momentum. JP has really challenged us on going from good to great, and it has lifted our standards in everything we do,” the flanker said.

“There are a lot of players taking personal responsibility as well, and driving those standards. There has been a lot of buy-in over the past couple of weeks. It has been great. We have all the potential and everything we need, plus enthusiasm to make it count on the pitch.”