Can Sharks upset the Lions?
The Sharks will be facing a strong Lions team in a crucial Round 15 tie and a win will significantly boost the Durban-based team's chances of making the quarterfinals.
The last time these two teams met, the Lions put in a commanding performance to win 24-9 in Durban in Round Seven and Sharks prop Tendai Mtawarira says they are bracing themselves for another big challenge this weekend.
"It's definitely going to be a tough game this week and there is a lot of excitement," said Mtawarira. "This is the reason why you play rugby – to go up against the best. I think the Lions have been thereabouts this season and they are right at the top of the log.
"For us it is a massive challenge and we are really going to have to step up in a lot of areas on the field.
"We have got the underdog tag this week so we really have to fight hard and win the inches on the field."
If flyhalf Patrick Lambie (concussion) is unable to prove his fitness ahead of the match, Mtawarira will likely lead the team once again as he has done for most of the Sharks' Super Rugby campaign.
"It has been a year of growing for me. Being given the captaincy role when Pat was out, I really learnt a lot.
"I think as a person I have grown and it's something I also want to take into my game on the field and lead by my actions. This week it is going to count a lot against the Lions," Mtawarira added.
The Sharks will have to be at their best defensively if they are to have any chance against an exciting Lions team and that is where Omar Mouneimne comes in.
Mouneimne joined the Sharks' coaching team late last year and Mtawarira believes the defence guru has helped him and his teammates a lot with their game in this year's Super Rugby campaign.
"I always want to get better and I always challenge myself every season," said Mtawarira. "I think at the start of the year the Sharks really had a good thing going on.
"We were really put through our paces by our defence coach Omar – I think he has been probably one of the biggest differences this season for me and for the rest of the boys."
Mtawarira was part of the Springbok team who clinched the three-Test series against Ireland with a 19-13 win in Port Elizabeth last weekend.
Despite starting in all three Tests, Mtawarira says he is not feeling fatigued.
"I am feeling good. I am a little bit stiff today, but I think I will be feeling great once I get going.
"I am very fortunate not be injury prone. I have not had any serious injuries in the last couple of years, so I just hope it carries on so that I can keep on playing as much rugby as I can," he said.
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