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Johannesburg - New recruit Lwazi Mvovo is grateful for a recent two-day camp with senior Springbok players ahead of the five-match Grand Slam rugby tour starting this weekend.
GALLERY: Boks in training for Ireland
"To get to go around with the players and the experienced guys was really helpful," Mvovo said.
"It really did help a lot, because the game plan and the backline calls are not that much different to ours (the Sharks)."
The South African rugby team were at camp for two days a week before the Currie Cup final, and Bok management was criticised as there were fears that it would disrupt the domestic teams’ preparations.
However, for the young guns those two days could turn out to be one of the better decisions Springbok management has made in preparation for the tour.
Most of the youngsters going on tour have little, if any, experience on the lush pitches they could be called to play on over the next few weeks.
However, Mvovo had no concerns about these pace-restrictive surfaces.
"We go there to play rugby and win, no matter what the conditions are," said the Sharks' wing.
Like his fellow freshmen, Mvovo was over the moon when he heard he would be rubbing shoulders with some of the nation’s most successful players.
"It is every boy’s dream to play for his country and I am no different in that regard. I am really happy to be here," he said.
Making the Springbok team on the same day he helped his domestic side to their second Currie Cup title in three years was the cherry on top.
"I was so excited, as my parents actually drove up from the Eastern Cape to come watch the final (in Durban) and after the win and the announcement we were all very happy," he said.
Having been called up as a replacement for the training camp he also understands that he may not have made it on tour had the Currie Cup final not dished up so many backline injuries.
A multitude of injuries has plagued the squad ahead of their first match against Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.
"At that point it was still a dream, even though we were called up to the squad the week before, so it wasn’t really something I had expectations of getting as my focus was on the final which made the call-up a surprise for me," he said.
He also gave credit to the coaching structures at the Sharks for the faith they had put in him over the years.
"From my high school coach, who actually spotted me, to my parents who have been supporting me all the way, and even my coach at the Sharks Academy, they have all been great inspirations in my life," said Mvovo.
