Mtawarira relishing leadership role

Mtawarira is part of a core leadership group in Allister Coetzee's Springbok squad and the 30-year-old wants to inspire the youngsters that are coming through.

"It is a massive honour to be part of the leadership group – it is a huge responsibility," Mtawarira told reporters in Stellenbosch.

"I have to make sure that I work really hard and not just lead with my words, but with my actions as well. 

"I'm not the guy who talks the most. I always want to lead by my actions and inspire the youngsters with what I do.

"It is very exciting, it's a start of a new era. I have always had a lot of experienced guys around, but now there are new guys coming in and there is a lot of enthusiasm in the camp. Everybody is excited to be a part of a new journey."

One of the new players Mtawarira hopes to inspire is Steven Kitshoff, who is also a loosehead prop.

Kitshoff is highly rated by many in South Africa and in Europe and will compete with Mtawarira for a place in the front row.

"Competition is always great. There was always competition in the past with me and Trevor [Nyakane], so it's not really about bringing the other guy down. It is what’s best for the team and you always learn a lot from each other.

"When I was a youngster I had a chip on my shoulder – I really wanted to prove myself and be the best, but as you grow older you learn to do what's best for the team. 

"If the next guys starts ahead of you give him your full support. I am really excited to see Steven [Kitshoff] come back into the fold. 

"We are just going to feed off each other and learn from each other," Mtawarira added.

By Warren Fortune

@FortuneWarren

@rugby365com