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“It was good to get some time under the belt,” he explains, “especially ahead of a big game like this week's match against the Free State Cheetahs. It was an enjoyable run and I was able to take some confidence out of it. It was just great to be back on the field and to play my first Absa Currie Cup game for The Sharks.”
He admits that it has been a frustrating period for him, having spent so much time off the park over the past two months. “Unfortunately I picked up that injury in the Vodacom Super 14, but I had good rehabilitation with Deane Macquet (Sharks Physio) and Jimmy Wright (Sharks Biokineticist) so I was confident when I came back. It's only time before I get to full match fitness. It's just a matter of fighting for my place in the team.”
He agrees that it has been a significant year for himself, having joined The Sharks at the end of last year and getting married. “It has been fantastic so far in every aspect. I'm at a great union and I'm happily married to a wonderful woman – I'm still in the honeymoon feeling and enjoying that very much.”
Coming to Durban has a number of advantages, not least of all, the great weather, especially at this time of the year. Used to freezing cold mornings and not much warmer daytime in Johannesburg when he was with the Lions, his assessment is plain and simple. “All I can say is, 'What Winter?'”
Looking back to last week's match against the Pumas he explains that, “We made a lot of mistakes and were our own worst enemies. But we've worked on them, taken the positives out of the game and if we play the way we know we can, we are not going to be an easy team to beat.
“It's how we pitch up for each game and we shouldn't under-estimate the smaller unions because they've earned the right to play in the premier division of the tournament. We need to focus on each game, believe in ourselves and play to our potential. If we succeed in those areas, I don't see us losing games.”
Looking at the squad right now, on one hand, there are players putting their hands up and making it hard for anyone to take their place and on the others, players wanting to get back in. “That keeps you on your toes with the Springboks coming back or another player fighting for the same positions, that benefits the entire squad. If we believe in the squad system and play as a team, that will help us win each week.”
While he acknowledges that they have a tough match this weekend, like any team, you focus on what you bring to the game - your strengths – and then back yourselves. “Definitely, Free State are a good side, but we'll see what happens on Saturday.”
