Vincent Tshituka
Sharks captain Vincent Tshituka says the November break helped the team regroup and fix early-season errors. As they prepare for Connacht in Galway, he insists the side has a “solid plan” and renewed energy to chase their first meaningful turnaround of the URC campaign.
The Sharks return to United Rugby Championship action this weekend with a renewed sense of purpose, and captain Vincent Tshituka believes the squad’s reset during the November break has come at exactly the right time. After a frustrating start to their campaign, the Durban side used the downtime to address errors, rebuild cohesion and sharpen their approach ahead of a difficult away fixture against Connacht.
Tshituka said the break had “done the boys a world of good”, giving the coaching staff the chance to correct technical flaws while allowing players to reconnect mentally and physically. He described the mood in camp as upbeat, emphasising that the squad had recommitted to the demands of the competition. The changes, he added, were already visible in training intensity and clarity of detail.
Connacht, despite sitting only slightly higher on the URC log, remain one of the tougher sides to face at home, particularly in the often unpredictable Galway conditions. Tshituka acknowledged the challenge but stressed that the Sharks were not travelling as underdogs without belief. He said their preparation had focused on discipline, execution and keeping calm under pressure, elements that have cost them crucial points in earlier fixtures.
The Sharks’ struggles this season have not been for lack of talent, but lapses in decision-making and consistency have repeatedly undone promising passages of play. Tshituka believes the team has now taken a decisive step towards correcting that pattern. The coaching staff, he said, worked meticulously over the break to refine systems, while players addressed accountability and communication.
“We know what went wrong in the first part of the season, and we’ve taken responsibility for it,” Tshituka told media ahead of the trip. “We’ve put in the work, we’ve got a solid plan, and the boys are excited. There’s a positive vibe again.”
The match in Galway presents more than just a test of rugby. It is a chance for the Sharks to change the tone of their season, build momentum and restore confidence before the campaign gathers speed during the December stretch.
