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Chavhanga hopes to take gap

Durban - Following a career threatening knee injury, Sharks winger Tonderai Chavhanga is aiming to make the most of his second chance.

The former Springbok was a surprise name on the Durban side's Super Rugby roster at the start of 2014, and is now one of the senior figures for the team's Currie Cup campaign.

"After being out for over a year, that hunger of wanting to play rugby and wanting to play a full 80-minute game is something has never been more," Chavhanga said on Tuesday.

With the team's Springboks out on international duty, Chavhanga is likely to start most games during the competition as the Sharks seek to defend their title.

Chavhanga made his comeback in last Friday's 34-17 Currie Cup win against the Pumas 34-17.

The Zimbabwe-born midfielder, likened his injury to Frans Steyn's chronic knee problems of the past.

Chavhanga said he needed to better his showing against the Cheetahs at Kings Park on Saturday. "I want to improve my overall game and have a good 80 minute performance each and every week."

Chavhanga famously shot to fame when he scored a world record six tries on debut for the Springboks as a 21-year-old against Uruguay in East London.

Jake White was the one to give him that chance in 2005 and the World Cup-winning coach, who is the director of rugby at the Sharks has once again played a key role in his career.

"I didn't really think my knee was going to come right and I thought my career was going to be finished.

"So when he gave me that opportunity, I just wanted to grab it with both hands."

Chavhanga also credited his wife and Sharks biokineticist Jimmy Wright for pulling him through.

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