Loose forward Manu Tshituka will have an opportunity to impress the Springbok coaches with his work rate ahead of the Nations Championship when the Sharks face Munster in Ireland on Saturday.

Image: BackpagePix

The Sharks are adamant that they want to finish their tour strongly when they face Munster on Saturday in their final United Rugby Championship (URC) match before the November international break.

Coming off two strong wins in France against Lyon and Wales versus Cardiff, the coastal side are unbeaten on tour so far, and claiming the scalp of the Irish club will put an extra spring in their step when they return home.

However, after losing key players to injury, including captain André Esterhuizen and his centre partner Jurenzo Julius, the Sharks will be desperate to maintain that momentum at Thomond Park in Limerick (7.30pm kick-off).

Head coach JP Pietersen says it will be a massive challenge for the side, but they are determined to finish their tour unbeaten.

“It’s been three long weeks, playing in France, Cardiff and now against Munster. We all want to do what we do best, which is put in a good performance and, hopefully, if everything goes well, get the result by the end of the game,” he said.

“Obviously, Munster felt they could have beaten Leinster last week, away from home, so they will be disappointed. They also won’t want to lose their last home game before the break.

“The message for this week is that we just want consistency. The character in the group was tested last weekend against Cardiff (with the injuries) and we showed strong character. Now we just want to build on that and have consistency against Munster. The aim is for an 80-minute performance. That’s what we want to show.”

Breakdown battle awaits Sharks

Pietersen warned that Munster’s strengths at the breakdown and their physicality in the tackle would pose a significant challenge for the Sharks’ loose trio, particularly as they look to secure quick ball and build attacking momentum against a side that is adept at slowing possession down and forcing turnovers.

Captain Nick Hatton, taking over from Esterhuizen, and loose forwards Manu Tshituka and Matt Romao will be tasked with securing the Sharks’ ball at the breakdown while also disrupting Munster’s possession on Saturday.

“It’s a great challenge for them to test themselves against some of the best. Manu, especially, has been selected for international duty, so this is an opportunity for him to put his hand up for a place in the Springboks’ match 23.

“Matt and Nick have been outstanding so far. They complement each other very well as a loose trio. Each brings something different: one is a ball carrier, another has great rugby IQ, while the other makes a strong physical contribution.

“So, it’s going to be an exciting challenge for the loose trio.”