Beast wants to be 'Superman'

Cape Town - Tendai Mtawarira's best game for the Springboks in June came in the third Test against Ireland when it mattered most. 

His scrummaging and work on both attack and defence was impressive, and he played a major role in the Boks grinding out a 19-13 win in Port Elizabeth to claim the series victory. 

In fact, the series as a whole was good for Mtawarira. 

With Steven Kitshoff breathing down his neck, 'Beast' proved that he is far from done in the green and gold despite having 78 Test caps to his name. 

Now 30-years-old, Mtawarira could realistically eye the 2019 World Cup in Japan as a potential Bok swansong. 

For now, though, the physical loosehead is loving being a part of the new Springbok era.

"Having a lot of youngsters there brought a lot of enthusiasm," Mtawarira said of his experience with the Boks this month.

"There was a lot of noise at training. You get goosebumps.

"I think every time you get a chance to don the jersey it's a special feeling and it always feels like your first game, no matter how many caps you have.

"The feeling never changes. Every time I put on that jersey I want to go out there and be Superman."

He may not have taken off, but Mtawarira further enhanced his reputation as the best loosehead in the country. 

Now his attention must turn immediately back to Super Rugby where the Sharks have a crucial clash against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday. 

There is also a good chance that Mtawarira will lead the Sharks in that game if Pat Lambie is ruled out with concussion. 

The obvious concern for the Super Rugby coaches is how the international break has impacted their Springbok players. 

Mtawarira started all three Tests and could probably do with a rest, but he insists he is ready to go.

"I'm feeling good. A little bit stiff but I think I'm fit and I'm feeling great," he said.

"Once I get going I just keep on going. I'm very fortunate not to be injury prone. I haven't had any serious injuries in the last couple of years so I hope that that carries on and I can just keep playing as much rugby as possible."

Saturday's match against the Lions kicks off at 17:10.