Beast’s return means scrum annihilation for Highlanders
THE return of Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira for the Sharks’ Super Rugby date against the Highlanders tomorrow can only mean one thing: An impending scrum annihilation for the visitors.
There are a lot of things Aaron Mauger’s chaotic side did well in their 29-28 win against the Bulls at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, but scrumming was not one of them.
Sharks coach Robert du Preez was happy with the return of his scrumming talisman in what will be a crucial game for his side.
“It’s always great to have a player of Beast’s calibre coming back,” he said.
“He’s playing some of the best rugby of his career but, having said that‚ I think Jean Schoeman had a great game against the Stormers.”
Mtawarira is one of three changes from the Sharks side that somehow saw off the Stormers in a boring fixture two weeks ago.
Mtawarira comes in for Schoeman while Akker van der Merwe and Tyler Paul swap with Mahlatse “Chilliboy” Ralepelle and Stephan Lewies.
Du Preez knows the Sharks have promised more than they have delivered at home and, with the Jaguares having made a play for second spot‚ the need to win home games is now paramount for the inconsistent Durban side.
“We need to win our home games. This is a massive game for us,” he said.
“We’re here to win and have to win this game.
“Our performances against the New Zealand teams will certainly give the boys confidence, but every game is a new game.
“These guys play a good game of rugby.”–