SA 'A' coach Stick explains captaincy choice between Tshituka and Am
REACTION: SA A coach Mzwandile Stick has explained why Sharks loose forward Vincent Tshituka was chosen to captain the side against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha on Saturday, with the in-form forward getting the nod ahead of Springbok veteran Lukhanyo Am.
The match, which will serve as a curtain-raiser for the Springboks’ encounter with the Barbarians, will provide an opportunity for some of the country’s most exciting young talent to make their mark alongside experienced players looking to stake a claim.
The starting lineup features eight uncapped players, six in the backline and two among the forwards, while Stick has opted for a 5/3 split on the bench.
Am will be entrusted with leading a youthful backline which features Luan Giliomee, Jaco Williams, Markus Muller, Zekhethelo Siyaya, Yaqeen Ahmed and Haashim Pead.
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Am, who currently plies his trade in Japan for the Dynaboars, is the most experienced player in the squad with 42 test caps.
Despite boasting extensive experience and having won two Rugby World Cups, Stick opted to hand the captains armband to Tshituka and explained his reasons.
“He [Vincent Tshituka] is one of the guys who leads with actions,” he said.
“He’s one of the leaders at the Sharks when Siya and others are not playing, and he always takes over the leadership role.
“There were discussions between him and Lukhanyo [Am], but he’s [Am] still getting back to his best shape, so we didn’t want to put much pressure on him.
“When it comes to Vincent, he’s a seasoned campaigner, and he’s got good leadership skills.
“The way he communicates, a lot of players pay respect his messages, and I think he’s got potential to become one of the great leaders.”
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Stick, who coached the SA ‘A’ side during its last outing against the Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate Stadium in 2022, is optimistic that fortunes this time around will be different for his side.
In that meeting, the SA ‘A’ outfit struggled and suffered an 18-26 defeat, which added to a 14-28 loss against Munster a week earlier.
Stick believes this year’s team is better prepared for what lies ahead.
“If you compare the previous team that played in the UK, those guys didn’t have Tony Brown and Jerry Flannery as their coaches.
“The guys we’ve got now are getting the best possible support in the sense that they are doing everything that’s been done by the team playing against the Barbarians.
“We’ve coached both teams the same, and when it comes to this game, we are in a way better position.
“We’ve had two weeks to work with them, and for me, I’m excited, I’m always excited to see youngsters get opportunities.”
While the importance of the SA ‘A’ clash is to reward youngsters for their club form and begin building depth for the future, Stick says winning remains the main objective.
He says they’ve analysed Zimbabwe and will look to give them a proper test.
“As a coach, I’ve done the research, and they even played last week against the Junior Boks.
“They have players who are playing in South Africa, guys like Tino Mavesere from the Sharks, Tapiwa Mafura and the Stormers lock, Gary Porter.
“They understand how we operate. Their coaching staff is also loaded with guys like Gert Smal and Kennedy Tsimba, who is a legend that understands South African rugby.
“For me, the most important thing is to make sure we give them the best practice so that they can be in good shape when they head to the World Cup.”
