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Cape Town - Sharks prop Tendai Mtawarira has heaped praise on defence coach Omar Mouneimne, citing him as a major influence in Durban this season.
The Sharks have conceded less tries (20) than any other team in Super Rugby this season.
Mtawarira says that Mouneimne is a big part off the reason why, and he also attributes his own good form with the Sharks and the Springboks this season to the work he has done with the former Kings and Pumas coach.
"It all started here at the Sharks. We've had a good thing going on," Mtawarira said from Durban this week after returning from Springbok.
"We've been put through our paces by Omar, the defensive coach. I think he's been probably one of the biggest differences this season to me and the rest of the boys. I think I just took that same energy from the Sharks to the Springboks.
"It's been a year of growing for me. Being given the captaincy role when Pat was out I really learnt a lot.
"It's always a work in progress. I always want to get better and I challenge myself."
Mtawarira could very well be captaining the Sharks again this weekend when they take on the Lions at Ellis Park as Pat Lambie continues to battle a concussion.
"It's definitely a very tough game this week," said 'Beast'.
"There is a lot of excitement. This is the reason you play rugby; to go up against the best.
"I think the Lions are there and thereabout this season, they're right on top of the log. For us it's a massive challenge and we're really going to have to step up in a lot if areas on the field.
"We've got the 'underdog' tag this week so we're going to have to fight hard and win the inches on the field."
