Sharks No.8 Phepsi Buthelezi relishing battle against Exter Chiefs

Exeter Chiefs visit Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Saturday, but they'll find a home team riding high in the success stakes as well as playing confidently and translating that into on-field results.

Winning is a habit and for Sharks eighthman Phepsi Buthelezi, this is very much down to a squad effort. It also doesn't hurt when there is strong depth in every position and it is this fierce rivalry that adds an element of steely determination about this side.

Talking about the competition for places in the Sharks loose trio, he explains that, "There's a lot of competition at the moment, but it's really good for everyone. For the younger guys coming through the system and for the guys who have been here for a while.

"It's great for the union. We all get along because the competition is very healthy, we all try to help each other and prepare as best we can for the weekend, trying to make each other better every day."

Whether he starts or comes on later in the game, he accepts that the role of a player coming off the bench in the modern era is not so much just as an injury replacement, but with an important role to close out the game.

"That mindset is important to us, it's something we pride ourselves on here, trying to finish games well. As the impact players coming on to the field, we come on at the most important time of the game.

"It's something we chat about a lot and regardless of who starts or who plays off the bench, the emphasis is that when you run onto the field wearing a Sharks' jersey, you give it your all."

And giving it their all has been a hallmark of recent weeks. Consecutive home wins against three former Vodacom United Rugby Championship champions has made Hollywoodbets Kings Park something of a fortress for the home side and certainly a tough place to play for visitors.

Reflecting on their form, Buthelezi explains that a lot of introspection took place before turning matters around.

"After that disappointing game, our last game on tour against Benetton, we got some of our Springbok players back and we all had honest conversations with each other.

"We had a look at what we want to achieve this season, and what we stand for as a squad. Results have gone our way in the last few games and that comes down to pushing our standards and driving each other to get better. To make the jersey proud and to leave it in a better place.

"We also have really good leaders in our squad and they've stepped up and led us well."

READ MORE: Siviwe Soyizwapi - You can feel a Blitzbok game loading