Argentinian fans hostile - Mtawarira
Cell C Sharks will play their next Vodacom Super Rugby match this coming Saturday night.
Listen to the full interview here, or read our story below.
That is when the Sharks will face the Jaguares in Argentina.
Kickoff is at 21h40 - South African time.
Sharks loosehead prop, Tendai Mtawarira, believes they are in for a stern test.
"Jaguares are a tough team. I have also played against them with the Springboks. It is never easy there. It is a hostile crowd and a different atmosphere. Yet we cannot focus too much on that. We cannot focus on the sideshows. We just have to focus on the game. The Jaguares are obviously very physical. So it will be a physical encounter and we have to make sure we are smart in the way we play and we don't want to play to their strengths," Mtawarira said.
The Sharks had Andre Esterhuizen sent off in their draw with the Rebels last weekend and Mtawarira admits that discipline is an area they need to focus on in Argentina this weekend.
"Obviously it is something we want to sort out this weekend. The red card last weekend did have a massive effect on the game," Mtawarira said.
The Jaguares are known for having a physical pack. The Sharks pack has also been physical this season and Mtawarira feels they have what it takes to counter the Jaguares in the battle of the forwards.
"I think as a pack of forwards we have been getting better the whole season. Now is the time to really step up and make it count. I think we have impressive talent in our pack. We have guys who can step up to the plate when they are called to. So I think this weekend will be no different. The guys selected will have to perform on the day," Mtawarira added.
The Sharks were disappointing in being held to a draw by the Rebels in Durban and Mtawarira feels they owe their fans a better performance this weekend.
"We certainly owe the fans. We are very disappointed with our performance against the Rebels. We let the supporters down and this is something we want to rectify this coming weekend," Mtawarira said.
The Sharks face six weeks without the suspended Andre Esthuizen. Head coach, Robert du Preez, believes this is both a blow and an opportunity for someone like Johan Deysel.
"Andre's red card and subsequent six week ban is a massive disappointment for us. It is obviously a big loss. These things happen in rugby and Andre is really remorseful. I think it can happen to any player. We have to look forward now and the door has now been opened for a guy like Johan Deysel. He has been in our set-up all along. It is great to give a guy like that an opportunity," Du Preez said.
Du Preez has also revealed that he plans to make some adjustments to his team to face the Jaguares this weekend.
"There certainly will be some changes. It won't be changes because of players not performing well. We need to give guys an opportunity to play. I am talking about guys who have been on the bench for a while. I think our squad is a really good one. I wouldn't have any hesitation in playing guys who I believe need an opportunity to start," Du Preez concluded.
Kickoff is at 21h40 - South African time.
Sharks loosehead prop, Tendai Mtawarira, believes they are in for a stern test.
"Jaguares are a tough team. I have also played against them with the Springboks. It is never easy there. It is a hostile crowd and a different atmosphere. Yet we cannot focus too much on that. We cannot focus on the sideshows. We just have to focus on the game. The Jaguares are obviously very physical. So it will be a physical encounter and we have to make sure we are smart in the way we play and we don't want to play to their strengths," Mtawarira said.
The Sharks had Andre Esterhuizen sent off in their draw with the Rebels last weekend and Mtawarira admits that discipline is an area they need to focus on in Argentina this weekend.
"Obviously it is something we want to sort out this weekend. The red card last weekend did have a massive effect on the game," Mtawarira said.
The Jaguares are known for having a physical pack. The Sharks pack has also been physical this season and Mtawarira feels they have what it takes to counter the Jaguares in the battle of the forwards.
"I think as a pack of forwards we have been getting better the whole season. Now is the time to really step up and make it count. I think we have impressive talent in our pack. We have guys who can step up to the plate when they are called to. So I think this weekend will be no different. The guys selected will have to perform on the day," Mtawarira added.
The Sharks were disappointing in being held to a draw by the Rebels in Durban and Mtawarira feels they owe their fans a better performance this weekend.
"We certainly owe the fans. We are very disappointed with our performance against the Rebels. We let the supporters down and this is something we want to rectify this coming weekend," Mtawarira said.
The Sharks face six weeks without the suspended Andre Esthuizen. Head coach, Robert du Preez, believes this is both a blow and an opportunity for someone like Johan Deysel.
"Andre's red card and subsequent six week ban is a massive disappointment for us. It is obviously a big loss. These things happen in rugby and Andre is really remorseful. I think it can happen to any player. We have to look forward now and the door has now been opened for a guy like Johan Deysel. He has been in our set-up all along. It is great to give a guy like that an opportunity," Du Preez said.
Du Preez has also revealed that he plans to make some adjustments to his team to face the Jaguares this weekend.
"There certainly will be some changes. It won't be changes because of players not performing well. We need to give guys an opportunity to play. I am talking about guys who have been on the bench for a while. I think our squad is a really good one. I wouldn't have any hesitation in playing guys who I believe need an opportunity to start," Du Preez concluded.
Twitter - @SportswaveAndre