Tera Mtembu is back in the Cell C Sharks line-up, starting the opening Vodacom Super Rugby match of the season and he’s raring to go after a tough two years where his career has been curtailed by a series of injuries.
He’s previously captained the side in the 2014 Currie Cup campaign and on Friday will be Pat Lambie’s vice captain, such is his leadership ability and the high regard his team-mates and coaching staff have for him.
“It’s a great honour to be playing for our team again after a bad run of injuries over the last two years,” he explained from the Brisbane hotel where they await their clash with the Reds on Friday.
“Being back after all this time away makes me appreciate being fit. When you’re outside, you understand how blessed you are to have this opportunity to do what you love. I’m really excited about playing again and hopefully I’ll take that chance with both hands.”
Casting his eye to the opposition, to the Reds’ loose-forward trio and the return of experienced campaigner George Smith, the 36 year old who spent 12 years with the Brumbies and has since enjoyed stints with Toulon, Stade Francais and Lyon in France, Wasps in England and Suntory Sungoliath in Japan, he admits that they have a tough task on their hands.
“The Reds recruited well for this year, bringing in not only George Smith but also Scott Higginbotham, both of them seasoned campaigners,” said Mtembu. “But our focus isn’t so much on individuals, we know what we want to achieve and we’re just excited to be back on the park.”
Although he has enjoyed leadership roles in the past, he admitted that being awarded the vice-captaincy for this match was an unexpected decision.
“It came as a surprise to me,” he said, “my main goal was just to get fit again, try stay injury free and play to the best of my ability. I will try help Pat [Lambie] as much as I can, although everyone is a leader in his own position.”
He explained that a lot of the team’s focus has been on scrum dominance, and although it’s an area they have worked hard on leading into this match, it’s not something they have pinpointed for this match specifically.
“It will be our goal for every game, going forward. In saying that, the Australian teams are very street-wise, they’re smart, but we’ll be looking to focus on getting right what we’ve worked hard on leading into the competition. We would like to get a good start.”
With the likes of Quade Cooper marshalling the midfield and the Reds propensity for exciting play, added to our team’s own admissions that they want to play a good brand of exciting, running rugby, this match has all the elements needed for a spectacular show.
“They have very talented players, not only exciting backs but also forwards. But, in saying that, we are focused on ourselves, on what we want to achieve.
“We’re looking to putting on a performance that reflects the hard work we have done over the last 13 weeks.”
Reflecting on Lwazi Mvovo reaching 100 caps, he admitted that he was thrilled for his team-mate.
“I am very chuffed for Lwazi, playing 100 times on the wing is a huge milestone. He’s played consistently for the Cell C Sharks which is an amazing achievement. He has a big influence on the team, as well as on me personally but I don’t think he realises what influence he has and energy he brings to the team. I’m very excited for him.”
The post EXCITED TO BE BACK IN ACTION appeared first on Sharks Rugby.
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